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    • the potential of small satellites for space situational awareness

    Paper number

    IAC-09.B4.4.13

    Author

    Dr. Wolfgang Griethe, Berner & Mattner Systemtechnik GmbH, Germany

    Coauthor

    Dr. Ignasi Forcada, Berner & Mattner Systemtechnik GmbH, Germany

    Coauthor

    Mr. Adi Strauss, Berner & Mattner Systemtechnik GmbH, Germany

    Year

    2009

    Abstract
    From the beginning of the space age until today, spacecrafts being sent into orbit are affected by threats. As a consequence of interruption of space services by hazards and threats and since we rely increasingly on space systems, the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Programme has been recently launched by ESA`s Member States.  
SSA is considering both, unintentional and intentional threats. Unintentional threats are caused by natural phenomena and environmental effects like space wheather, cosmic ray, micrometeorids, etc. However, and as a matter of fact, space assets are also affected by growing intended threats. Attacks on space systems are no longer science fiction as  demonstrated not so long ago, they have become reality, unfortunately. The urgent need to ensure that space services still remain available on demand today and tomorrow leads industry to develop SSA and to force technological developments. 
In this context the paper highlights the potential of small satellites to be used within SSA either as sensor platform or for supporting issues or for global data communication. The characteristics of a cluster of co-located small satellites being operated as space-based mobile ad-hoc network (Sb-MANET), linked by inter-satellites pathes, will be emphasized. The system elements, the operational concept and the service capabilities are described in detail. Moreover, the basic concept of a dedicated Sb-MANET deployed by small satellites for near real-time event detection in space and early warning will be outlined. This concept allows for modular growth of both, space and ground segment, to keep in step with the evolution of the demand for enhanced SSA services. Finally, the advantages of Sb-MANET`s such as flexibility, scalability, risk mitigation, increased system reliability and lower vulnerability are addressed.
    Abstract document

    IAC-09.B4.4.13.pdf

    Manuscript document

    (absent)