A mobile, off-grid, robotic observatory for space domain awareness

Abstract

Here we present a concept for a mobile, completely off-grid, robotic observatory for rapid deployment and observational support. This 1-meter aperture, 3-degree FOV telescope employs state-of-the-art commercial instrumentation such that it not only supports satellite orbit cataloging but also closely spaced object detection/ characterization at atmospheric seeing limits, i.e. sub-arcsecond pixels vs. more traditional cataloging systems’ 2-3 arcsecond pixels. Its relatively large étendue, high throughput, and up to 50 deg/s slew speeds provides for high survey speeds, be it for lost space debris or astronomical transients. We will detail the design and simulated performance of this Deployable, Attritable Optical (DAO) system. Furthermore, each system will employ US Space Force developed observatory control software called SensorKit, a completely open-source software that enables robotic operation and, if desired for SDA purposes, communication with the Unified Data Library. Scheduling, tasking, data processing and dissemination and more are a part of the US Space Force MACHINA program, presented separately in these proceedings.