The project will enhance the UK’s Space Domain Awareness through advanced algorithms for detecting and characterising space launch events.
GMV has been awarded a contract by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to develop advanced algorithmic capabilities for space launch monitoring, supporting the analytical requirements of the UK National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC).
The activity focuses on the development and demonstration of data processing algorithms designed to detect, identify, and characterise space launch events using heterogeneous observational data sources. The work contributes to the continual enhancement of the UK’s Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capability, enabling more timely detection of catalogue changes and improved understanding of launch related activity.
Under the contract, GMV will develop and validate a proof of concept capability addressing two primary technical objectives. The first objective is the characterisation of detected launch events, distinguishing between different launch types. For each case, the algorithms will assess the intended trajectory and end state of the launch, including identifying the region of space targeted by ASAT activity, the potential impact region on Earth for ballistic missiles and the intended target orbit for nominal space launches.
The second objective focuses on the optimisation of the contributing sensor network supporting launch detection and characterisation. This includes analysing how sensor coverage, geometry and data quality affect the ability to identify and assess launch events and exploring approaches to improve overall performance through more effective use of heterogeneous sensor data.
