Slightly off-topic: Found this thesis by Vincent J. Dabrowski (USAF) published in 2003. "Parasitic" microsatellites rigidly connected to a satellite can be detected with a series of small identical maneuvers. Full text here (PDF, 4.1 MB): https://research.maxwell.af.mil/papers/ay2003/afit/AFIT-GAE-ENY-03-2.pdf From the Introduction: Advances in the miniaturization of space systems technology have, and will continue to, lead to reductions in space vehicle size and cost. These reductions are leading to a world-wide explosion in microsatellite usage. One particularly promising area of research is the use of microsatellites (microsats) as inspection and servicing vehicles for larger satellites. However this same technology can be used to rendezvous and dock with a satellite and disrupt, degrade, disable, or destroy it. Since the United States (US) is the most space-dependent country on earth it has the most to lose from these types of attacks. Ground-based detection of such threats are insufficient. A 1999, government-sponsored report by the Schafer Corporation concluded that the US Space Object Identification (SOI) capability in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) isinadequate. Worden explains: “These sensors are mostly 1960s and 1970s era radar and optical tracking sensors ” and the US “cannot detect and track microsatellite-sized objects in Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO).” The US Fiscal Year 2000-01 Department of Defense (DoD) Space Technology Guide cites the need for on-orbit diagnostics aboard all satellites. It states that “assets must be capable of surveying their own space environment, both for self-protection against natural and man-made threats and to determine if they are under attack.” This concept is referred to as Space Situational Awareness. Regards, Frits ----------------------------------------------------------- Frits Westra -- PE2ATC -- fw-nx#xs4all.nl -- 52.22N 06.38E ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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