Space Domain Awareness

Space Domain Awareness

Diffraction Limited designs and manufactures high-performance imaging systems for optical Space Domain Awareness (SDA).

Our imaging platforms combine large-format, high-sensitivity scientific CMOS sensors with low-noise electronics, precise GPS-based image timing, high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, regulated cooling, and flexible system integration.

Systems can be deployed as individual cameras, synchronized multi-camera instruments, or as part of larger distributed sensor networks.

Detect. Track. Characterize.

Optical Space Domain Awareness encompasses more than detecting objects in orbit.

Imaging systems can be used to determine accurate positions and trajectories, measure brightness and variability, characterize objects, and collect information that can help distinguish one object from another.

Diffraction imaging systems support applications including:

• Satellite detection and tracking
• Astrometric measurement
• Orbit determination
• Photometric monitoring
• Multi-band imaging
• Spectral signature characterization
• Synchronized multi-camera observations
• Distributed optical sensor networks

Our cameras provide the image data and precise timing required by downstream SDA processing and analysis systems.

Large-Format Imaging for SDA

Large-format sensors can provide a significant advantage in optical SDA systems by increasing the instantaneous field of view available from a given telescope.

Diffraction offers a range of large-format scientific CMOS imaging platforms, spanning arrays from 61 to 151 megapixels.  This allows system designers to balance sensor area, acquisition rate, system cost and data volume.  Our standard camera platforms can be deployed as supplied or adapted to the mechanical, thermal, electrical, network and software requirements of a larger SDA system.

Aluma AC455 61 Megapixel Imaging Camera

Precision GPS Image Timing

Accurate knowledge of exactly when an image was acquired is essential for many SDA applications.

Position measurements without corresponding accurate time information cannot provide the precision required for high-quality orbit determination.

Diffraction’s ATU-1 GPS-referenced timing system provides image timestamps with 0.1 ms precision.

This capability supports applications including:

• Astrometric satellite observations
• Orbit determination and refinement
• Rapidly moving object measurements
• Coordinated observations between cameras
• Coordinated observations between observing sites

Precise timing is integrated directly into the imaging system rather than relying solely on host-computer timing.

Synchronized Multi-Band Imaging

Some SDA applications require more information than position and brightness alone can provide.

Multiple synchronized cameras can observe the same object simultaneously through different optical filters. Each camera records a different wavelength band at essentially the same point in time.

Combining these measurements produces a multi-band spectral profile of the object.

Differences in reflected sunlight across wavelength bands can provide information about surface materials and other object characteristics. These spectral signatures can be used by downstream analysis systems to help characterize and potentially identify satellites and other objects.

Simultaneous acquisition is particularly important for rapidly moving or rotating objects. Sequential observations through a filter wheel can introduce uncertainty because the object’s brightness, orientation or observing geometry may change between exposures.

A synchronized multi-camera system acquires all wavelength bands concurrently.

Diffraction cameras can be configured as synchronized multi-camera imaging systems with:

• Common exposure triggering
• GPS-referenced image timing
• Multiple optical filter bands
• Matched imaging platforms
• Independent high-speed network interfaces
• Centralized or distributed control

This architecture can scale from a small multi-band instrument to larger specialized imaging systems.  Our array-imaging experience includes systems utilizing more than 1,200 cameras.

10 Gigabit Ethernet for Observatory and Array Installations

Large-format scientific cameras generate substantial volumes of image data, particularly when multiple cameras are operating simultaneously.

For SDA installations, Diffraction’s high-performance imaging platforms are designed around 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over SFP+ fiber.

This architecture provides several advantages for observatory and distributed systems:

• High sustained data throughput
• Long cable distances
• Electrical isolation between telescope and processing equipment
• Excellent immunity to electromagnetic interference
• Standard network infrastructure
• Straightforward integration of multiple cameras
• Flexible placement of acquisition and processing computers

Unlike short-distance peripheral interfaces, fiber Ethernet is naturally suited to permanent observatories, multi-telescope installations and distributed camera systems.

Individual cameras can connect into conventional network infrastructure, allowing processing resources to be centralized or distributed according to the requirements of the system.

Engineered for Remote Operation

SDA systems are frequently installed at remote observing sites and expected to operate with minimal intervention.

Diffraction’s imaging platforms draw on more than 30 years of experience designing cooled scientific cameras for observatory applications.

Capabilities include:

• Stable regulated sensor cooling
• Air and liquid cooling options
• Remote camera configuration and control
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• External triggering and synchronization
• GPS-referenced image timing
• Automated acquisition
• Software development interfaces
• Long-duration operation
• Production test and calibration

Systems can be adapted to specific environmental, mechanical and operational requirements, including custom enclosures, cooling configurations, mechanical interfaces and remote-operation requirements.

From a Single Telescope to a Sensor Network

An SDA program may begin with a single telescope, but the same imaging architecture can extend to much larger systems.

Diffraction supports:

• Prototype and evaluation systems
• Multi-camera instruments
• Multi-band synchronized imaging
• Multiple telescopes at a single site
• Distributed observing stations
• Large camera arrays
• High-volume camera deployments
• Custom and OEM imaging platforms

Existing camera platforms provide a rapid path to prototype development. Hardware, firmware, software, mechanical interfaces and thermal systems can then be adapted where required for production deployment.

Imaging Systems Built to Scale

Building a high-performance scientific camera and manufacturing hundreds or thousands of consistent cameras present very different engineering challenges.

Diffraction has experience taking advanced imaging systems from engineering prototypes into controlled volume production.

Our capabilities include:

• Electronic and mechanical design
• FPGA and embedded firmware development
• Sensor integration
• Thermal engineering
• High-speed network communications
• Camera control software
• Production fixtures and automated testing
• Sensor performance characterization
• Calibration
• Configuration control
• Supply-chain management
• Volume manufacturing

This combination of imaging-system engineering and production capability allows Diffraction to support programs from initial evaluation through large-scale deployment.

Designed and Manufactured in North America

Diffraction Limited designs and manufactures its imaging systems at our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility in Ottawa, Canada.

Our multidisciplinary engineering team works across sensor integration, low-noise electronics, FPGA design, embedded firmware, high-speed communications, thermal engineering, mechanical design and application software.

Keeping these capabilities within one organization allows us to optimize the complete imaging system and adapt established platforms when program requirements extend beyond standard camera configurations.

Work With Diffraction

We work directly with telescope manufacturers, system integrators, research organizations and organizations developing optical Space Domain Awareness systems.

Whether you are selecting a focal plane for a new tracking telescope, developing a precisely timed astrometric system, designing a synchronized multi-band instrument, or planning a distributed optical sensor network, our engineering team can help determine the appropriate imaging architecture.

Discuss Your SDA Imaging Requirements

Tell us about your telescope, field-of-view requirements, acquisition rate, timing requirements, operating environment, and expected number of cameras. Our engineering team can help evaluate the appropriate imaging platform and integration approach.

Use the contact form below