The Design of a Space-based Observation and Tracking System for Interstellar Objects

The recent observation of interstellar objects, 1I/Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov cross the solar system opened new opportunities for planetary science and planetary defense. As the first confirmed objects originating outside of the solar system, there are myriads of origin questions to explore and discuss, including where they came from, how did they get here and what are they composed of. Besides, there is a need to be cognizant especially if such interstellar objects pass by the Earth of potential dangers of impact. Specifically, in the case of Oumuamua, which was detected after its perihelion, passed by the Earth at around 0.2 AU, with an estimated excess speed of 60 km/s relative to the Earth. Without enough forewarning time, a collision with such high-speed objects can pose a catastrophic danger to all life Earth. Such challenges underscore the importance of detection and exploration systems to study these interstellar visitors. The detection system can include a spacecraft constellation with zenith-pointing telescope spacecraft. After an event is detected, a spacecraft swarm can be deployed from Earth to flyby past the visitor. The flyby can then be designed to perform a proximity operation of interest. This work aims to develop algorithms to design these swarm missions through the IDEAS (Integrated Design Engineering & Automation of Swarms) architecture. Specifically, we develop automated algorithms to design an Earth-based detection constellation and a spacecraft swarm that generates detailed surface maps of the visitor during the rendezvous, along with their heliocentric cruise trajectories.

Building Small-Satellites to Live Through the Kessler Effect

The rapid advancement and miniaturization of spacecraft electronics, sensors, actuators, and power systems have resulted in growing proliferation of small-spacecraft. Coupled with this is the growing number of rocket launches, with left-over debris marking their trail. The space debris problem has also been compounded by test of several satellite killer missiles that have left large remnant debris fields. In this paper, we assume a future in which the Kessler Effect has taken hold and analyze the implications on the design of small-satellites and CubeSats. We use a multiprong approach of surveying the latest technologies, including the ability to sense space debris in orbit, perform obstacle avoidance, have sufficient shielding to take on small impacts and other techniques to mitigate the problem. Detecting and tracking space debris threats on-orbit is expected to be an important approach and we will analyze the latest vision algorithms to perform the detection, followed by quick reaction control systems to perform the avoidance. Alternately there may be scenarios where the debris is too small to track and avoid. In this case, the spacecraft will need passive mitigation measures to survive the impact. Based on these conditions, we develop a strawman design of a small spacecraft to mitigate these challenges. Based upon this study, we identify if there is sufficient present-day COTS technology to mitigate or shield satellites from the problem. We conclude by outlining technology pathways that need to be advanced now to best prepare ourselves for the worst-case eventuality of Kessler Effect taking hold in the upper altitudes of Low Earth Orbit.