A Possible Way Of Exchanging Follow-up Data

Paper number

IAC-07-A6.I.10

Author

Mr. Tim Flohrer, Astronomical Institute University of Bern (AIUB), Switzerland

Coauthor

Dr. Thomas Schildknecht, Astronomical Institute University of Bern (AIUB), Switzerland

Coauthor

Dr. Reto Musci, Astronomical Institute University of Bern (AIUB), Switzerland

Year

2007

Abstract

The Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern (AIUB) plans, performs and processes space debris surveys on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). These surveys utilize the ESA Space Debris Telescope (ESASDT) on Tenerife. AIUB also has its own optical sensors observing space debris at the Zimmerwald Observatory near Bern, Switzerland. Routinely, AIUB contributes to joint observation campaigns, e.g., with the Pulkovo cooperation of optical observers (PULCOO). 
Within these projects we must highly automate the observation planning, data acquisition and data processing. In addition, some observation scenarios require the immediate, reliable and robust exchange of data, in particular for near-realtime follow-up observations of newly detected objects. It has been shown recently, that the newly detected population of high area-to-mass objects cannot be catalogued (or studied) without follow-up observations shortly after detection. But also the cataloguing of objects in geostationary orbits (GEO), in medium Earth orbits (MEO) and in geostationary transfer orbits (GTO) is not possible without scheduled follow-up observations. If several sensors (a network) share the tasks of acquiring follow-up observations, the needed automation requires a coordinated approach.
In this study we present a possible architecture for a flexible, transparent, and robust exchange of observations and follow-up information between a set of heterogeneous sensors. We develop the user requirements and analyse the obtained system architecture. A central element of the architecture is a so-called tasking server that coordinates the exchange of observations between the partners. Participating authorized sensors can access the central observation pool provided by the tasking server. The tasking server also maintains a list of objects needing follow-up observations, which the participating sensors can include into their observation schedule on a voluntary basis.
We discuss a possible command set for the communication between sensors and the tasking server and present scenarios for implementation and tests. This concept for the exchange of follow-up data in a network of sensors could in particular be an option in a future European space surveillance system.

Abstract document

IAC-07-A6.I.10.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-A6.I.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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