Introduction

In a significant move to enhance satellite tracking capabilities, space debris monitoring expert Neuraspace has successfully deployed a second optical telescope in Chile, aimed at bolstering satellite surveillance across the Southern Hemisphere. This new addition complements its existing telescope, which is strategically positioned at the Beja air base in Portugal.

Telescope Features

The newly installed telescope resembles a modern observatory atop a shipping container and boasts impressive capabilities, including the ability to capture over one image per second for objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) while accurately tracking debris as small as 10 centimeters in diameter. According to Neuraspace, this enhanced precision drastically lowers the uncertainty for positional errors to less than 100 meters within a single orbital revolution, aligning with 2023’s European Space Agency (ESA) guidelines on space debris mitigation.

Operational Success

In just three months of operations, the Beja telescope has delivered an astonishing 300,000 measurements of various space objects across orbits ranging from LEO to Geostationary. Industry experts anticipate that the Chilean telescope may surpass this productivity due to the region's pristine night skies—an essential aspect for optical telescopes.

Strategic Importance

Not only does Neuraspace utilize its telescopes for direct observation, but it also aggregates data from multiple sources, offering clients indispensable advice regarding optimal spacecraft maneuvering times. Neuraspace CEO Chiara Manfletti articulated the strategic importance of the Chilean telescope, stating that it empowers the company with increased autonomy and control over its services. “These telescopes expand the data available from other providers while enhancing the frequency and timeliness of updates concerning satellite trajectories,” she noted.

Role in Satellite Operations

Additionally, the new telescope will play a crucial role during the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) of satellites as well as in ongoing operations to detect anomalies and maintain orbital parameters. It also opens doors for training machine learning algorithms and conducting specialized observations.

Challenges with Satellite Constellations

However, the rapid increase in satellite constellations like Starlink raises legitimate concerns within the astronomy community regarding light pollution and the integrity of astronomical data. Manfletti acknowledged these challenges, explaining that while Starlink satellites are notably bright and could obscure astronomical images, they actually facilitate tracking efforts. “For us, the brightness of these satellites makes them easier to monitor,” she said. “Our mission encompasses tracking all types of space objects—an escalation in traffic intensifies the demand for advanced tracking systems, ultimately assisting us in building comprehensive catalogues of resident space debris.”

Collaborations and Partnerships

In a proactive step toward managing space traffic and mitigating orbital clutter, Neuraspace has partnered with Elecnor Deimos, enhancing its tracking capabilities and addressing the pressing nature of space debris as global satellite launches multiply. A two-year collaboration agreement with the ESA has also been inked, underscoring the urgent need for effective Space Traffic Management amid rising orbital congestion.

Conclusion

As space exploration and satellite deployment continue to grow exponentially, Neuraspace's innovations position it at the forefront of an evolving industry dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of our orbital environment while harnessing cutting-edge technology to tackle the challenges of space debris. With its latest telescope deployment, Neuraspace is not just tracking satellites; it is leading the charge in a new era of space sustainability.