Monitoring of Satellite Health using LWIR and Visual Spectrum Tracking Data

"Applied Optimization, Inc. proposes to develop a solution to monitor the health of the GPS Block II, IIA and IIR satellites using the LWIR and Visual Spectrum intensity tracking data obtained by a SBIRS-Low satellite. The Phase I calculations havedemonstrated that the radiometric signature for older GPS satellites is stronger than their newer counterparts. This is consistent with the fact that the absorptance of satellite solar panels increases with age and thereby increases its temperature; whichin turn creates a stronger radiometric signature. In order to ascertain the current thermal health, the first step is to build detailed mathematical models of the GPS satellites for radiometric evaluation. The second step is to implement a library ofalgorithms for determination of material degradation. The third step is to perform data fusion of the LWIR and Visual Spectrum intensity values for purposes of robust estimation of material degradation and also for use in multi-view tracking. The fourthstep is to determine a SBIRS-Low sensor management scheme so that the schedule for tracking of the GPS satellite is optimized. The developed technique will be tested using the AFSMC provided tracking data and by means of an independent third-party trial."