In the globally collaborative effort of maintaining an accurate space catalog, it is of utmost importance for ground tracking stations to provide observations which can be used to update and improve the catalog. However, each tracking station is responsible for viewing thousands of objects in a limited window of time. Limitations in sensor capabilities, human error, and other circumstances inevitably result in erroneous, or unusable, data, but when receiving information from a tracking station, it may be difficult for the end-user to determine a data set's usability. Variables in equipment, environment, and processing create uncertainties when computing the positions and orbits of the satellites. Firstly, this research provides a reference frame for what degrees of errors or biases in equipment translate to different levels of orbital errors after a least squares orbit determination. Secondly, using just an incoming data set's angle error distribution compared to the newly determined orbit, statistical distribution testing is used to determine the validity and usability of the newly received data set. In the context of orbit position uncertainty, users are then able to communicate and relay the uncertainties in the data they share while assessing incoming data for potential sources of error.

<pre>Because of the increasing population of space objects, there is an increasing necessity to monitor and predict the status of the near-Earth space environment, especially of critical regions like geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) regions, for a sustainable future. Space Situational Awareness (SSA), however, is a challenging task because of the requirement for dynamically insightful fast orbit propagation models, presence of dynamical uncertainties, and limitations in sensor resources. Since initial parameters are often not known exactly and since many SSA applications require long-term orbit propagation, long-term effects of the initial uncertainties on orbital evolution are examined in this work. To get a long-term perspective in a fast and efficient manner, this work uses analytical propagation techniques. Existing analytical theories for orbital perturbations are investigated, and modifications are made to them to improve accuracy. While conservative perturbation forces are often studied, of particular interest here is the orbital perturbation due to non-conservative forces. Using the previous findings and the developments in this thesis, two SSA applications are investigated in this work. In the first SSA application, a sensor tasking algorithm is designed for the detection of new classes of GEO space objects. In the second application, the categorization of near-GEO objects is carried out by combining knowledge of orbit dynamics with machine learning techniques.</pre>

The probability of satellite collisions and disintegrations cluttering the near-Earth orbital environmentis ever-growing. This is especially true for the congested Low Earth Orbit (LEO) regime; once a critical density of objects is reached, a collisional cascading is projected to generate runaway growth of theorbital population. Comprehensive tracking of Resident Space Objects (RSO) is a requisite precursor to conjunction forecasting and avoidance; a strategy for active debris mitigation. Conducted at Arctic Lidar Observatory for Middle Atmosphere Research (ALOMAR) Andøya Space, this work presents a means through which a passive optical observation station can be established using only an off-the shelf Canon EOS-1300 camera for uncued detection. A custom processing pipelinewas developed to perform data reduction on the retrieved images and initialisation of the object orbit was accomplished via implementations of the classic Initial Orbit Determination (IOD) algorithms of Laplace and Gauss. RSO identification was performed by reconstruction of the overpass and comparison against objects in a Two Line Elements (TLE) database. The complete script initiates the tracking process, and requires no inputs other than the image, and the geodetic coordinates of the ground station. The processing pipeline was demonstrated to perform robustly on the collected images and the algorithms were tested for different orbital regimes using precision angular data extracted from literature, with the retrieved results corresponding closely to the available reference values for all orbital regimes. Their performance as predictors of satellite position was compared for a variety of test cases, withthe Gauss algorithm producing more consistent results. However, orbits could not be initialised from the images, due to insufficient angular and timing precision. Various adaptations and extensions are suggested in order to achieve the requisite accuracy in the optical data and improve the data collection.

This thesis investigates the use of the Swedish Allsky Meteor Network (SAMN) for observing, identifying, and determining the orbits of satellites. The overall goal of this project is to determine the feasibility of using such a network for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) purposes, which requires identification and monitoring of objects in orbit. This thesis is a collaboration with the Swedish Defense Research Agency (FOI) to support their efforts in SSA. Within the frame of this project, the author developed software that can take data of observations of an object collected from the all-sky cameras of SAMN and do an Initial Orbit Determination (IOD) of the object. An algorithm that improves the results of the IOD was developed and integrated into the software. The software can also identify the object if it is in a database that the program has access to or, if it could not be identified, make an approximate prediction of when and where the object will be visible again the next time it flies over. A program that analyses the stability of the results of the IOD was also developed. This measures the spread in results of the IOD when a small amount of artificial noise is added to one or more of the observed coordinates in the sky. It was found that using multiple cameras at different locations greatly improves the stability of the solutions. Gauss' method was used for doing the IODs. The advantages and disadvantages of using this method are discussed, and ultimately other methods, such as the Gooding method or Double R iteration, are recommended for future works. This is mostly because Gauss' method has a singularity when all three lines of sight from observer to object lie in the same plane, which makes the results unreliable. The software was tested on a number of observations, both synthetic and real, and the results were compared against known data from public databases. It was found that these techniques can, with some changes, be used for doing IOD and satellite identification, but that doing very accurate position determination required for full orbit determination is not feasible. / Detta examensarbete undersöker möjligheterna att använda ett svenskt nätverk av allskykameror kallat SAMN (Swedish Allsky Meteor Network) för att observera, identifiera och banbestämma satelliter. Det övergripande målet med detta projekt är att bestämma hur användbart ett sådant nätverk skulle vara för att skapa en rymdlägesbild, vilken i sin tur kräver bevakning och identifikation av objekt som ligger i omloppsbana. Detta examensarbete är ett samarbete mellan Uppsala Universitet och FOI (Totalförsvarets Forskningsinstitut). Inom ramen för detta projekt har författaren utvecklat mjukvara som kan ta data från observationer av objekt utförda av SAMN och göra initiala banbestämningar av objekten. En algoritm som förbättrar resultaten av den initiala banbestämningen utvecklades och integrerades i programmen. Programmen kan också identifiera satelliter om de finns med i en databas som programmet har tillgång till eller förutsäga objektets nästa passage över observatören om det inte kunde identifieras. Ett annat program som analyserar känsligheten av resultaten av den initiala banbestämningen utvecklades också. Detta program mäter spridningen i resultat som orsakas av små störningar i de observerade koordinaterna på himlen. Det framkom att stabiliteten av resultaten kan förbättras avsevärt genom att använda flera observatörer på olika orter. I detta projekt användes Gauss metod för att göra banbestämningarna. Metodens för- och nackdelar diskuteras och i slutänden rekommenderas istället andra metoder, som Goodings metod eller Dubbel R-iteration, för framtida arbeten. Detta beror mest på att Gauss metod innehåller en singularitet när alla siktlinjer från observatören till objektet ligger i samma plan som varandra vilket gör resultaten opålitliga i de fallen. Programmen testkördes på ett antal olika observationer, både artificiella och verkliga, och resultaten jämfördes med kända positioner. Slutsatsen av arbetet är att de undersökta teknikerna kan, med vissa modifikationer, användas för att göra initiala banbestämningar och satellitidentifikationer, men att göra de väldigt precisa positionsbestämningarna som krävs för fullständig banbestämning är inte genomförbart.

<div>As the number of Resident Space Objects around Earth continues to increase, the need for an optimal sensor tasking strategy, specifically with Ground-Based Optical sensors, continues to be of great importance. This thesis focuses on the single and multi-sensor tasking problem with realistic optical sensor modeling for the observation of objects in the Geosynchronous Earth Orbit regime. In this work, sensor tasking refers to assigning the specific?c observation times and viewing directions of a single or multi sensor framework to either survey for or track new or existing objects. For this work specifically, the sensor tasking problem will seek to maximize the total number of Geosynchronous Earth Orbiting objects to be observed from a catalog of existing objects with a single and multi optical sensor tasking framework. This research focuses on the physical assumptions and limitations on an optical sensor, and how these assumptions affect the single and multi sensor tasking scenario. First, the concept of the probability of detection of a resident space object is calculated based on the viewing geometry of the resident space object. Then, this probability of detection is compared to the system that avoids the computational process by implementing a classical heuristic minimum elevation constraint to an electro-optical charged coupled optical sensor. It is shown that in the single and multi-sensor tasking scenario if the probability of detection is not considered in the sensor tasking framework, then a rigid elevation constraint of around 25^o-35^o is recommended for tasking Geosynchronous objects. Secondly, the topic of complete geo-coverage within a single night is explored. A sensor network proposed by Ackermann et al. (2018) is studied with and without the probability of detection considerations, and with and without uncertainties in the resident space objects' states. (then what you have). For the multi-sensor system, it is shown that with the assumed covariance model for this work, the framework developed by Ackermann et al. (2018) does not meet the design requirements for the cataloged Geosynchronous objects from March 19th, 2019. Finally, the concept of a variable repositioning time for the slewing of the ground-based sensors is introduced and compared to a constant repositioning time model. A model for the variable repositioning time is derived from data retrieved from the Purdue Optical Ground Station. This model is applied to a single sensor scenario. Optimizers are developed using the two repositioning time functions derived in this work. It is shown that the constant repositioning models that are greater than the maximum repositioning time produce results close to the variable repositioning solution. When the optimizers are tested, it is shown that there is a small increase in performance only when the maximum repositioning time is significant.</div>

In this report I present a feasibility study of using open astronomical data to make Initial Orbit Determination (IOD) for Resident Space Objects (RSO) appearing as streaks in telescope images. The purpose is to contribute to Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) for maintaining Space Situation Awareness (SSA). Data from different wide-field survey telescopes were considered but due to availability constraints only mask images from Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) survey were chosen for the analysis. An algorithm was developed to detect streaks in the mask images and match them to RSO known to be within the Field of View (FoV) at the observation time. Further, the IOD was made with angles-only Laplace’s method and the state vectors calculated for the streaks from the IOD were compared to those from the TLE for the matching RSO. The algorithm was tested with 6 different image fields acquired between the 14th to the 16th December 2019, of which 4 are characterised as non-crowded and 2 as crowded. The streak finding algorithm has a better precision and sensitivity for the non-crowded field, with an F1-score of 0.65, but is worse for the crowded fields with an F1-score of 0.035. In the non-crowded fields 95% of all streak and object matches are true matches to unique RSO, while for the crowded field only 10% are true matches. It was found that the 1''/pixel resolution in the images is too low for doing an IOD with Laplace’s method, despite how well the streak finding algorithm performs. However, with some improvements, the method is suitable as a cost effective way to verify known RSO in catalogues. / I den här rapporten presenterar jag en studie om att använda öppen astronomiska data för att göra initial banbestämning för artificiella rymdobjekt avbildade som streck i teleskopbilder. Syftet är att tillhandahålla information för att upprätthålla en god rymdlägesbild. Data från olika kartläggnings teleskop övervägdes men på grund av begränsningar i tillgänglighet valdes endast mask-bilderna från Zwicky Transient Facility för analysen. En algoritm utvecklades för att upptäcka streck i mask-bilderna och matcha dem med kända objekt i bildens synfält vid observationstillfället. Vidare gjordes den initiala banbestämningen med Laplaces metod, som använder vinkelkoordinaterna för streckens position vid observationen. Tillståndsvektorerna för strecken och de matchade objekten jämfördes, de beräknades från den initiala banbestämningen respektive objektets TLE. Algoritmen testades med 6 olika bildfält från observationsdatum mellan den 14:e till den 16:e december 2019, av dessa karakteriseras 4 som glesa och 2 som fyllda. Algoritmen för streck detektering har bättre precision och känslighet för de glesa fälten, med ett F1-värde på 0.65, men sämre för de fulla fälten med ett F1-värde på 0.035. I de glesa fälten är 95% av alla streck- och objektmatchningar korrekta matchningar med unika objekt, medan för det fulla fälten är endast 10% korrekta matchningar. Det visar sig att upplösningen på 1''/pixel i bilderna är för låg för att göra en initial banbestämning med Laplaces metod, oavsett hur bra algoritmen för streck detektering presterar. Genom att göra vissa förbättringar i algoritmen är metoden lämplig för att, på ett kostnadseffektivt sätt, verifiera kända objekt i kataloger.

<p>Autonomous guidance and control techniques for low-thrust spacecraft under multi-body dynamics via reinforcement learning</p>

<p>Secondary payloads have a rich and successful history of utilizing cheap rides to orbit to perform outstanding missions in Earth orbit, and more recently, in cislunar space and beyond. New launch vehicles, namely the Space Launch System (SLS), are increasing the science opportunity for rideshare class missions by providing regular service to the lunar vicinity. However, trajectory design in a multi-body regime brings a host of novel challenges, further exacerbated by constraints generated from the primary payload’s mission. Often, secondary payloads do not possess the fuel required to directly insert into lunar orbit and must instead perform a lunar flyby, traverse the Earth-Moon-Sun system, and later return to the lunar vicinity. This investigation develops a novel framework to construct low-cost, end-to-end lunar transfer trajectories for secondary payload missions. The proposed threephase approach provides unique insights into potential lunar transfer geometries. The phases consist of an arc from launch to initial perilune, an exterior transfer arc, and a lunar approach arc. The space of feasible transfers within each phase is determined through low-dimension grid searches and informed filtering techniques, while the problem of recombining the phases through differential corrections is kept tractable by reducing the dimensionality at each phase transition boundary. A sample mission demonstrates the trajectory design approach and example solutions are generated and discussed. Finally, alternate strategies are developed to both augment the analysis and for scenarios where the proposed three-phase technique does not deliver adequate solutions. The trajectory design methods described in this document are applicable to many upcoming secondary payload missions headed to lunar orbit, including spacecraft with only low-thrust, only high-thrust, or a combination of both. </p>

Since the early 2000s the space industry has undergone significant changes such as the advent of reusable launch vehicles and an increase of commercial opportunities. This new space age is characterized by a dynamic entrepreneurial climate, lowered barriers to access space and the emergence of new markets. New business models are being developed by many actors and the merging of space and other sectors continues, facilitating innovative and disruptive opportunities. Already established companies are adapting in various ways as efforts to stay relevant are gaining attention. The previous pace of development that was exclusively determined by governmental programs are now largely set by private and commercial ventures. Relating to all trends, new technologies and driving forces in the space industry is no trivial matter. By analyzing and examining identified trends and technologies the author has attempted to discern those that will have a significant impact on the industrial environment during the next decade. Market assessments have been summarized and interviews have been carried out. Discussions and conclusions relating to the services provided by the Swedish Space Corporation are presented. This report is intended to update the reader on the current status of the space industry, introduce concepts and provide relevant commentary on many important trends. / Sedan början av 2000-talet har det skett markanta förändringar inom rymdindustrin, såsom utvecklingen av återanvändningsbara raketer och en ökad mängd kommersiella möjligheter. Denna nya rymder a karaktäriseras av ett dynamiskt klimat för entreprenörer, minskande barriärer för att etablera rymdverksamhet och uppkomsten av nya marknader. Nya affärsmodeller utvecklas och integrering mellan rymden och andra industrier fortsätter, vilket ger utrymme för utveckling av innovativa och disruptiva idéer. Redan etablerade företag anpassar sig till förändringarna på olika sätt och ansträngningar för att bibehålla relevans prioriteras. Utvecklingstakten inom branschen var tidigare dominerad av statliga program men är nu alltmer influerad av privata och kommersiella satsningar. Att relatera till ny teknik, nuvarande trender och drivkrafter inom rymdindustrin är Jacob Ask is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Christer Fuglesang is a professor in Space Travel, director of KTH Space Center and responsible for the Aerospace Engineering master program. He serves as the examiner for this master thesis project. Linda Lyckman is the Head of Business &amp; Technology Innovation at SSC and supervisor for this master thesis project. komplext. Genom att undersöka och analysera identifierade trender och teknologier ämnar författaren urskilja de som kan komma att påverka industrin i störst utsträckning under det kommande decenniet. Bedömningar av marknadsmöjligheter och intervjuer har genomförts och i denna rapport presenteras ¨aven diskussioner och slutsatser relaterade till den typ av tjänster som Swedish Space Corporation erbjuder. Denna rapport har för avsikt att uppdatera läsaren om delar av den aktuella nulägesanalysen inom rymdindustrin, introducera koncept och ge relevanta kommentarer om viktiga trender.

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