Review on strategies of space-based optical space situational awareness

Space-based optical(SBO)space surveillance has attracted widespread interest in the last two decades due to its considerable value in space situation awareness(SSA).SBO observation strategy,which is related to the performance of space surveillance,is the top-level design in SSA missions reviewed.The recognized real programs about SBO SAA proposed by the institutions in the U.S.,Canada,Europe,etc.,are summarized firstly,from which an insight of the development trend of SBO SAA can be obtained.According to the aim of the SBO SSA,the missions can be divided into general surveillance and space object tracking.Thus,there are two major categories for SBO SSA strategies.Existing general surveillance strategies for observing low earth orbit(LEO)objects and beyond-LEO objects are summarized and compared in terms of coverage rate,revisit time,visibility period,and image processing.Then,the SBO space object tracking strategies,which has experienced from tracking an object with a single satellite to tracking an object with multiple satellites cooperatively,are also summarized.Finally,this paper looks into the development trend in the future and points out several problems that challenges the SBO SSA.

Comparison of Precipitation Observations from a Prototype Space-based Cloud Radar and Ground-based Radars

A prototype space-based cloud radar has been a precipitation system over Tianjin, China in July developed and was installed on an airplane to observe 2010. Ground-based S-band and Ka-band radars were used to examine the observational capability of the prototype. A cross-comparison algorithm between different wavelengths, spatial resolutions and platform radars is presented. The reflectivity biases, correlation coefficients and standard deviations between the radars are analyzed. The equivalent reflectivity bias between the S- and Ka-band radars were simulated with a given raindrop size distribution. The results indicated that reflectivity bias between the S- and Ka-band radars due to scattering properties was less than 5 dB, and for weak precipitation the bias was negligible. The prototype space-based cloud radar was able to measure a reasonable vertical profile of reflectivity, but the reflectivity below an altitude of 1.5 km above ground level was obscured by ground clutter. The measured refiectivity by the prototype space-based cloud radar was approximately 10.9 dB stronger than that by the S-band Doppler radar （SA radar）, and 13.7 dB stronger than that by the ground-based cloud radar. The reflectivity measured by the SA radar was 0.4 dB stronger than that by the ground-based cloud radar. This study could provide a method for the quantitative examination of the observation ability for space-based radars.

Timeliness evaluation of task-oriented networked space-based information system

Task-oriented networked information system is an integrated information system which builds on multi-satellite networking to accomplish one or more tasks. In the background of emer- gency relief for applications, system working flow and response process are analyzed, and a timeliness effectiveness evaluation index system is constructed at multi-task level. The effectiveness is a measurement of promptness of information return. In evalua- tion process, system performance and tasks are associated, then an evaluation model based on efficacy function is established, and different evaluation criteria are selected for different tasks. A distributed simulation system is constructed, and the execution of task is decomposed. The simulation platform provides a comprehensive data source for evaluation. The results are easy to compare with each other, which reflects system time efficiency in different satellites networks and provides actual systems with basis and reference for design and application.

Development of long-wavelength infrared detector and its space-based application requirements

Infrared detection technology has greatly expanded the ability of mankind to study the earth and the universe. In recent years, the demand for long-wavelength infrared detectors is increasing for their advantages in exploring the earth and the universe. A variety of long-wavelength infrared detectors have been made based on thermal resistive effect, photoelectric effect, etc., in the past few decades. Remarkable achievements have been made in infrared materials, device fabrication,readout circuit, and device package. However, high performance long-wavelength infrared detectors, especially those for large format long-wavelength infrared detector focus plane array, are still unsatisfactory. Low noise, high detectivity, and large format long-wavelength infrared detector is necessary to satisfy space-based application requirements.

Effective Methods and Performance Analysis on Data Transmission Security with Blind Source Separation in Space-Based AIS

In space-based Automatic Identification Systems(AIS), due to high satellite orbits, several Ad Hoc cells within the observation range of the satellite are vulnerable to interference by an external signal.To increase efficiency in target detection and improve system security, a blind source separation method is adopted for processing the conflicting signals received by satellites. Compared to traditional methods, we formulate the separation problem as a clustering problem. Since our algorithm is affected by the sparseness of source signals, to get satisfactory results, our algorithm assumes that the distance between two arbitrary mixed-signal vectors is less than the doubled sum of variances of distribution of the corresponding mixtures. Signal sparsity is overcome by computing the Short-Time Fourier Transform, and the mixed source signals are separated using the improved PSO clustering. We evaluated the performance and the robustness of the proposed network architecture by several simulations. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in not only improving satellite signal receiving ability but also in enhancing space-based AIS security.

DDoS Attack Detection Method for Space-Based Network Based on SDN Architecture

With the development of satellite communications,the number of satellite nodes is constantly increasing,which undoubtedly increases the difficulty of maintaining network security.Combining software defined network(SDN) with traditional space-based networks provides a new class of ideas for solving this problem.However,because of the highly centralized network management of the SDN controller,once the SDN controller is destroyed by network attacks,the network it manages will be paralyzed due to loss of control.One of the main security threats to SDN controllers is Distributed Denial of Service(DDoS) attacks,so how to detect DDoS attacks scientifically has become a hot topic among SDN security management.This paper proposes a DDoS attack detection method for space-based networks based on SDN architecture.This attack detection method combines the optimized Long Short-Term Memory(LSTM) deep learning model and Support Vector Machine(SVM),which can not only make classification judgments on the time series,but also achieve the purpose of detecting and judging through the flow characteristics of a period of time.In addition,it can reduce the detection time as well as the system burden.

Some Fundamental Problems of Geodynamics and Application of Earth Observations by Space-Based Measurements

Although great-progress has been made in the earth sciences,some fundamental problems of geodynamics remain unsolved.They are concerned with the whole earth as well as regional tectonics,such as the west Pacific and Qinghai-Xizhang plateau.The new generation of earth observation by space-based measurement will contribute to solving these problems of geodynamics.In this regard,some specific plans about application of these techniques are suggested in this paper.

Relic Gravity Waves Investigation by Advanced Space-Based Gravitational Waves Detector

This paper focuses on the relic gravity waves produced during the transition from a radiation-dominated inflationary phase to a dust-dominated Friedman-Robertson-Walker-type expansion. We discuss how to investigate the spectral energy density by the latest space-based CWs detectors at f =0.1 Hz （i.e. DECICO）. In the case of power-law and exponential inflation, we apply the cross-correlation method to the latest detector and get the time dependence of the very early Hubble pararneter.

Vertical Profile Comparison of Aerosol and Cloud Optical Properties in Dominated Dust and Smoke Regions over Africa Based on Space-Based Lidar

This study evaluates the vertical profiles of aerosol and cloud optical properties in 40 dominated dust and smoke regions in Western-Northern Africa (WNA) and Central-Southern Africa (CSA), respectively, from the surface to 10km and from 2008 to 2011 based on LIVAS (LIdar climatology of Vertical Aerosol Structure for space-based lidar simulation studies). Aerosol extinction (AE), aerosol backscatter (AB), and aerosol depolarization (AD) generally increase from the surface to 1.2 km and decrease from 1.2 km to the upper layers in both WNA and CSA. AE and AB in CSA (maximum of 0.13 km-1, 0.14 km-1, 0.0021 km-1‧sr-1, 0.0033 km-1‧sr-1) are higher than in WNA (maximum of 0.07 km-1, 0.08 km-1, 0.0017 km-1‧sr-1, 0.0015 km-1‧sr-1) at 532 and 1064 nm respectively. AD in WNA (maximum of 0.25) is significantly higher than in CSA (maximum of 0.05). There is a smooth change with the height of cloud extinction and backscatter in WNA and CSA, while there is a remarkable increase of cloud depolarization with height, whereby it is high in CSA and low in WNA due to high and low fraction of cirrus respectively. Altocumulus has the highest extinction in NA (0.0139 km-1), CA (0.058 km-1), WA (0.013 km-1), while low overcast transparent (0.76 km-1) below 1 km in SA. The major findings of this study may contribute to the improvement of our understanding of aerosol-cloud interaction studies in dominated dust and smoke aerosol regions.

China’s Global Space-based TT&C Network System Established

The Tianlian 1-03 satellite, the third geosynchronous data relay satellite of China, was successfully launched into space on a LM-3C launch vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 23:43 Beijing time on July 25. Twenty-six minutes after the liftoff, the satellite

International Cooperation on Space-Based Information for Disaster Management:Status and Perspectives

With the development of space technology, space-based information has become one of the important information resources for decision makers, and as such has played a key role during the major disasters which occurred worldwide in recent years. With global climate change and frequently occurring disasters, space-based

United Nations International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster Management Held in Beijing

The United Nations International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster Management, "Risk Assessment in the Context of Global Climate Change", was held in Beijing during November 7-9, 2012. The conference was co-organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Ministry of Civil affairs (MCA) of the People's Republic of China, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC, China National Space Administration (CNSA),

GS-orthogonalization OMP method for space target detection via bistatic space-based radar

A space-based bistatic radar system composed of two space-based radars as the transmitter and the receiver respectively has a wider surveillance region and a better early warning capability for high-speed targets,and it can detect focused space targets more flexibly than the monostatic radar system or the ground-based radar system.However,the target echo signal is more difficult to process due to the high-speed motion of both space-based radars and space targets.To be specific,it will encounter the problems of Range Cell Migration(RCM)and Doppler Frequency Migration(DFM),which degrade the long-time coherent integration performance for target detection and localization inevitably.To solve this problem,a novel target detection method based on an improved Gram Schmidt(GS)-orthogonalization Orthogonal Matching Pursuit(OMP)algorithm is proposed in this paper.First,the echo model for bistatic space-based radar is constructed and the conditions for RCM and DFM are analyzed.Then,the proposed GS-orthogonalization OMP method is applied to estimate the equivalent motion parameters of space targets.Thereafter,the RCM and DFM are corrected by the compensation function correlated with the estimated motion parameters.Finally,coherent integration can be achieved by performing the Fast Fourier Transform(FFT)operation along the slow time direction on compensated echo signal.Numerical simulations and real raw data results validate that the proposed GS-orthogonalization OMP algorithm achieves better motion parameter estimation performance and higher detection probability for space targets detection.

Optimization of digital multi-beamforming for space-based ADS-B using distributed cooperative coevolution with an adaptive grouping strategy

Space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast(ADS-B)technology can eliminate the blind spots of terrestrial ADS-B systems because of its global coverage capability.However,the space-based ADS-B system faces new problems such as extremely low Signal-toNoise Ratio(SNR)and serious co-channel interference,which result in long update intervals.To minimize the position message update interval at an update probability of 95%with full coverage constraint,this paper presents an optimization model of digital multi-beamforming for space-based ADS-B.Then,a coevolution method DECCG_A&A is proposed to enhance the optimization efficiency by using an improved adaptive grouping strategy.The strategy is based on the locations of uncovered areas and the aircraft density under the coverage of each beam.Simulation results show that the update interval can be effectively controlled to be below 8 seconds compared with other existing methods,and DECCG_A&A is superior in convergence to the Genetic Algorithm(GA)as well as the coevolution algorithms using other grouping strategies.Overall,the proposed optimization model and method can significantly reduce the update interval,thus improving the surveillance performance of space-based ADS-B for air traffic control.

A method of correlation analysis for space-based GEO object surveillance

A method of correlation analysis to determine the correlation between two too-short arcs is presented to monitor geosynchro- nous earth orbit objects on a space-based surveillance system. The necessary condition for a geosynchronous earth orbit object to be observed by a space-based visible sensor in two successive orbital periods is derived, and the principle for the selection of search fence parameters is proposed. The processing procedure of the correlation analysis for the two too-short arcs as well as two correlation judgment methods is given and the selection of the threshold value for the judgment is analyzed. Finally, a simulation is performed to demonstrate the applicability of the presented methods. Simulation results ir^dicate that a surveil- lance system can acquire two observation arcs in two successive orbital periods by selecting the suitable search fence parame- ters, and that the two correlation judgment methods and the selected threshold are valid. The initial orbit of the uncorrelated objects can be determined by two observation arcs, and the accuracy of the initial orbit meets the requirements of re-acquiring the object.

Cleaning space debris with a space-based laser system

High-energy pulsed laser radiation may be the most feasible means to mitigate the threat of collision of a space station or other valuable space assets with orbital debris in the size range of 1–10 cm. Under laser irradiation, part of the debris material is ablated and provides an impulse to the debris particle. Proper direction of the impulse vector either deflects the object trajectory or forces the debris on a trajectory through the upper atmosphere, where it burns up. Most research concentrates on ground-based laser systems but pays little attention to space-based laser systems.There are drawbacks of a ground-based laser system in cleaning space debris. Therefore the placement of a laser system in space is proposed and investigated. Under assumed conditions,the elimination process of space debris is analyzed. Several factors such as laser repetition frequency, relative movement between the laser and debris, and inclination of debris particles which may exercise influence to the elimination effects are discussed. A project of a space-based laser system is proposed according to the numerical results of a computer study. The proposed laser system can eliminate debris of 1–10 cm and succeed in protecting a space station.

Progress and challenges in blocked impurity band infrared detectors for space-based astronomy

Astronomical detection at infrared wavelengths is crucial in astrophysics due to the critical information in this wavelength range.Blocked impurity band(BIB) infrared detectors are desirable for space-based astronomical observation due to their broad response range, low dark currents, high quantum efficiencies, and excellent radiation resistance. In this review, typical BIB device structures and device physics development are first introduced. Subsequently, we discuss progress in Si-based BIB detectors with different doping types and emphasize their applications in space-based infrared detection. Additionally, we discuss recent efforts on pixel performance optimization, response extension, and higher operating temperature devices. Finally,we conclude by proposing the challenges and perspectives of BIB detectors with improved detection performances.

Visible characteristics of space-based targets based on bidirectional reflection distribution function

A precise modeling method of visible characteristics of the space-based target was presented based on bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF). The background characteristics of the space-based target were represented to build models of direct solar radiation and reflected radiation of the Earth based on blackbody radiation theory. The geometry characteristics of the target were analyzed to establish a surface equation of each surface based on its body coordinate system. The material characteristics of the target surface were described by introducing a BRDF model which considers the character of surface Gauss statistics and self-shadow and is obtained by measurement and modeling in advance. The relative positions of the space-based target, the background radiation sources and the observation platform were determined based on coordinate con- version to judge contributing surface of the target to observation system. Then a mathematical model on visible characteristics of the space target for the given optical system was built by summing reflection components of all the surfaces. Simulation of visible characteristics of the space-based target in orbit was achieved according to its given geometrical dimensions, physical parameters and orbital parameters. The results show that the method is effective for analysis on visible characteristics of the space-based target when single reflection is considered and its surface is regularly described in a surface equation, which provides a way to real-time calculation of visible characteristics of the space-based target.

Analytic continuation extended Kalman filter framework for perturbed orbit estimation using a network of space-based observers with anglesonly measurements

This work presents a new method for space-based angles-only orbit estimation.The approach relies on the integration of a novel and highly accurate Analytic Continuation technique with a new measurement model for multiple observers for inertial orbit estimation.Analytic Continuation computes the perturbed orbit dynamics,as well as the perturbed state transition matrix(STM),in the inertial frame.A new measurement model is developed for simultaneous measurements using a constellation of low-cost observers with monocular cameras for angles-only measurements.Analytic Continuation and the new measurement model are integrated in an Extended Kalman Filter(EKF)framework,where the Analytic Continuation method is used to propagate the perturbed dynamics and compute the perturbed STM and error covariance,with the measurements obtained via the new measurement model.Two case studies comprising small and large constellations of observers are presented,along with cases of sparse measurements and a study of the computational efficiency of the proposed approach.The results show that the new approach is capable of producing highly accurate and computationally efficient perturbed orbit estimation results compared with classical EKF implementations.

Progress of Planetary Defense Research in China

Near-Earth Asteroids(NEA)impose potential major disaster to humanity.Planetary defense is an inevitable requirement for the survival of human civilization.In recent years,China has made rapid progress in planetary defense research,which has won the attention of the government and attracted more and more scholars and organizations.This paper summarizes the research progress in planetary defense in China in recent years,including the fireball events in China,academic activities and policy planning,monitoring and warning technology,onorbit defense technology,impact hazard assessment,international cooperation and science popularization.