Session
Poster Session 1
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
Space object identification (SOI) is essential for space traffic management, situational awareness, and mission operations. The Extremely Low Resource Optical Identifier (ELROI), developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, provides a persistent and interference-free identification method for small satellites through a self-powered optical beacon. ELROI transmits a unique identification code via low-power laser pulses, enabling ground stations to identify spaceborne assets without relying on traditional radio beacons. However, the efficacy of the ELROI system relies on the widespread availability of highly sensitive and cost-effective ground-based optical receivers. To address this need, we are developing a low-cost optical receiver capable of detecting and decoding ELROI signals, leveraging commercial off-the shelf (COTS) components and novel signal processing techniques. This research is based at the University of Auckland, with tests conducted at the Taiaho Observatory, a prototype optical ground station in New Zealand*. Furthermore, this group is developing Ko Au, a 1U Low Earth Orbit (LEO) CubeSat equipped with an ELROI-inspired, omnidirectional beacon. This mission will provide a full test of our ground-based receiver's capability to detect and decode optical signals from orbital assets. The next steps in improving detection capabilities are also outlined, including long-range validation and possible collaborations for global deployment. By making ELROI-compatible optical receivers more accessible and affordable, the aim is to enable widespread adoption of optical identification for small satellites, contributing to improved space situational awareness and sustainable orbital operations.
Document Type
Event
Extremely Low-Cost Optical Receiver for Extremely Low Resource Optical Identifiers
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Space object identification (SOI) is essential for space traffic management, situational awareness, and mission operations. The Extremely Low Resource Optical Identifier (ELROI), developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, provides a persistent and interference-free identification method for small satellites through a self-powered optical beacon. ELROI transmits a unique identification code via low-power laser pulses, enabling ground stations to identify spaceborne assets without relying on traditional radio beacons. However, the efficacy of the ELROI system relies on the widespread availability of highly sensitive and cost-effective ground-based optical receivers. To address this need, we are developing a low-cost optical receiver capable of detecting and decoding ELROI signals, leveraging commercial off-the shelf (COTS) components and novel signal processing techniques. This research is based at the University of Auckland, with tests conducted at the Taiaho Observatory, a prototype optical ground station in New Zealand*. Furthermore, this group is developing Ko Au, a 1U Low Earth Orbit (LEO) CubeSat equipped with an ELROI-inspired, omnidirectional beacon. This mission will provide a full test of our ground-based receiver's capability to detect and decode optical signals from orbital assets. The next steps in improving detection capabilities are also outlined, including long-range validation and possible collaborations for global deployment. By making ELROI-compatible optical receivers more accessible and affordable, the aim is to enable widespread adoption of optical identification for small satellites, contributing to improved space situational awareness and sustainable orbital operations.
