Scalable Tracking of pLEO Constellations and Debris

Objective: Develop and deploy scalable, cost-effective, and rapidly iterated wide-field optical tracking solutions to supplement the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) for high-density proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations and debris. The solution must meet stringent tracking, latency, and dissemination requirements while leveraging Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components and software-defined sensors. Description: The increasing density of pLEO constellations and orbital debris presents a significant challenge to the current SSN infrastructure, including radar fences with limited beam count and power. This effort seeks to develop wide-field optical tracking systems capable of addressing these challenges. The solution must integrate COTS components on a COTS bus to ensure low-cost deployment, rapid iteration, and replenishment. Software-defined sensors adaptable to multiple missions and on-board processing capabilities are encouraged. The system should also support extensibility to other missions via side-car payloads or on-orbit firmware/software upgrades. The system, if deployed at a scale identified by the proposer, must meet the following requirements: Threshold Requirements: Track 95% of objects larger than 1U (10x10 cm² optical cross-section, Lambertian surface at 20% reflectivity) at least once per orbit. Track 95% of unknown objects as small as 1 cm across once every two weeks. Goal Requirements: Track 99% of unknown objects larger than 1U at least twice per orbit. Track 95% of all objects as small as 1 cm once every two weeks. Track a cued object down to 1 cm with a maximum latency of 40 minutes, with no requirements for simultaneous tracks. Dissemination: All detections must be injected into the Unified Data Library (UDL) database within 5 minutes of passing through the last Field of Regard of the sensor platform. Feasibility Documentation: Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Keywords: pLEO; Space Surveillance; Wide-Field Optics, Orbital Debris; COTS, Software-Defined Sensors; UDL, Space Traffic Management CMMC Level: Level 1