Research Area(s):
Astronomy & Astrophysics, Information Technology/Computer Science, Instrumentation, Planetary Science
Description:
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is seeking research collaborators in the study and development of advanced technologies to enhance our Nation’s capabilities for Deep Space Imaging / Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Deep Space, defined as the geostationary belt, and beyond, is a region of space where the lack of imaging capability is the most severe, representing a technology gap that must be filled.
Deep Space Imaging (DSI) is an extremely daunting problem, in which our ability to infuse “game changing” science and technologies, into the SSA mission has critical impact on all spacefaring nations.
A common definition of SSA is “understanding and maintaining awareness of the Earth orbital population, the space environment, and possible threats.” This definition incorporates the three areas of (1) space surveillance and tracking, (2) space weather effects, and (3) near-Earth objects
The U.S. names the components of SSA as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and command and control, and defines the goals of SSA as “characterizing, as completely as possible, the space capabilities operating within the terrestrial and space environments”
DSI and SSA research, and novel approaches to distinguishing between resident space objects and new objects which have become closely space objects (CSO) and methods to develop baseline signatures for objects in GEO, including man-made objects, satellites and debris, as well as natural objects are sought.
This Call is open to all qualified researchers affiliated with accredited universities and other research organizations. Exceptions to researchers unaffiliated with universities may be considered, in case of proposals of outstanding quality and the desire to publish the results of the investigation. Please respond with no more than a one page brief, describing your areas of relevant research, and/or technology development.
Point of Contact:
Vince DeFrancisci
Vice President, Program Development
vdefrancisci@usra.edu
Dan Mosqueda
Director, Air force Programs
dmosqueda@usra.edu