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Realistic State and Measurement Error Uncertainty Computation and Propagation for Space Surveillance and Reconnaissance

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9550-10-C-0087
Agency Tracking Number: F09B-T11-0168
Amount: $99,988.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF09-BT11
Solicitation Number: 2009.B
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-05-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2011-01-31
Small Business Information
4850 Hahns Peak Drive Suite 200
Loveland, CO 80538
United States
DUNS: 956324362
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Aubrey Poore
 Chief Scientist
 (970) 461-2000
 aubrey.poore@numerica.us
Business Contact
 Jeff Poore
Title: President
Phone: (970) 461-2000
Email: jeff.poore@numerica.us
Research Institution
 University of Colorado
 Randall W Draper
 
3100 Marine Street, Room 479 572 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309
United States

 (303) 492-2695
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

Space surveillance is the component of space situational awareness focused on the detection of resident space objects (RSOs) and the use of multisource data to track and identify space objects. While the propagation of the states of RSOs has been investigated extensively over the last fifty years, the correct propagation of their covariance or the more general (non-Gaussian) probability distribution function has not. Thus, the significance of the opportunity is to develop a robust and consistent assessment of uncertainty throughout the space surveillance network to support correlation, collision avoidance, reacquisition, sensor cueing and tasking, and maneuver/change detection. This proposal aims to balance computational complexity with state-or-the-art algorithms which improve consistency in the estimation of state uncertainties. The ingredients include the choice of coordinate systems, numerical integrators, and advanced nonlinear filtering and initial orbital determination, as well as the treatment of residual biases and the employment of feature and non-traditional data. The adaptation of existing metrics and the development of new ones will be required to evaluate the consistency of uncertainty, especially for online use. BENEFIT: The anticipated benefit from the proposed program will be improved and robust data/track association processing, collision avoidance including probability of collision, probability of reacquisition, sensor cueing and tasking, and maneuver/change detection. The key commercialization of the proposed program would be a transition of the algorithms and software, either alone or embedded in a modern multiple target tracking system, to the JSpOC Mission Systems. This program also provides the opportunity to work with other contractors and the nation''s Air Force labs in support of the nation''s space protection and situational assessment programs utilizing Numerica''s strengths in all phases of multiple target tracking, sensors, sensor resource management, and situation assessment.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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