Improving orbit prediction via thermospheric density calibration

The uncertainty on Thermospheric Mass Density (TMD), as derived from atmospheric models, can reach extremely high values. This effect is noteworthy in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where atmospheric drag is the main perturbing force, as well as the most uncertain. LEO harbours almost 18,000 space objects at the end of 2021, around 60% of the total...

Tracking the Dark Side on a shoe-string budget

Meaningful SSA work on earth-orbiting satellites can be done on a shoe-string budget, with modest, off the shelf equipment. This has been shown by an informal group of self-funded Independent Space Observers (“ISO’s”) organized around the Seesat-L mailing list. Literally from their backyards, they track some 200 “classified” objects – objects...

Space Surveillance Network Capabilities Evaluation Mission

The last years saw the diffusion of nano, pico and femto satellite missions launched by multiple entities thanks to the launch cost reduction and the electronics miniaturization. Such missions usually present limited capabilities in terms of precise orbit determination and extremely small radar and optical cross-sections. Often these missions...