Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for detecting and tracking closely spaced objects

Description

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for detecting and tracking closely spaced objects from a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) orbit using infrared sensors, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Closely Spaced Low Observable Sensor Exploitation (CLOSE) algorithmic system, based on a novel integration of real-time clutter-mitigation method. The algorithm uses compressed sensing and associated Coded Aperture Keyed Expose techniques for super-resolution of the objects using both single and multiple frames of data within a limited bandwidth paradigm, and fast unsupervised region segmentation techniques to improve differentiation of closely spaced, low-visibility objects in real time. These innovations will enable the SBIRS satellite to detect and track low-visibility closely spaced objects meeting the Air Force need. In Phase I, POC will design, develop, and integrate CLOSE algorithms to demonstrate the feasibility to detect and track low observable closely spaced multiple objects by using available GEO satellite data with simulated objects. Phase I trade studies and feasibility analysis will identify critical technology challenges for Phase II. Phase II efforts will result in the realization of the CLOSE prototype algorithms designed to meet operational specifications through rigorous testing with real and simulated operationally representative data. BENEFIT: Military applications of the CLOSE system will mainly be detection and tracking of closely spaced objects from satellites orbiting the Earth. The CLOSE system can be incorporated by the Air Force into tracking objects using the STSS satellite system, which will benefit from CLOSE"s ability to detect and track closely spaced objects using compressed sensing and image segmentation techniques. Potential commercial use includes air traffic control and monitoring, as well as debris detection and tracking in low orbit. This system can also be used in biomedical research for detecting and tracking the life cycle of cells as they split into multiple cells and move through their ecosystem.