Session
Session XII: The Next Generation
Abstract
As a part of the Air Force’s University Nanosatellite Program, Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) has designed and built a nanosatellite for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) research. The Oculus has the capability to visually detect and monitor resident space objects (RSOs) using space-to-space imagers as well as the ability to perform known attitude maneuvers while flying over U.S. observatories in order to anchor models and algorithms used to determine spacecraft attitude from unresolved ground imagery. Over 150 students at Michigan Tech have designed and built the Oculus, a three-axis-controlled nanosatellite equipped with two visible imagers, releasable free-flying imaging targets, and a sophisticated computing and image processing system.
Presentation Slides
The Oculus: A Nanosatellite for Space Situational Awareness
As a part of the Air Force’s University Nanosatellite Program, Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) has designed and built a nanosatellite for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) research. The Oculus has the capability to visually detect and monitor resident space objects (RSOs) using space-to-space imagers as well as the ability to perform known attitude maneuvers while flying over U.S. observatories in order to anchor models and algorithms used to determine spacecraft attitude from unresolved ground imagery. Over 150 students at Michigan Tech have designed and built the Oculus, a three-axis-controlled nanosatellite equipped with two visible imagers, releasable free-flying imaging targets, and a sophisticated computing and image processing system.
