Overview

In an exciting development for space debris tracking, Neuraspace has recently deployed a second optical telescope in Chile, significantly enhancing its satellite tracking capacity over the Southern Hemisphere.

Technical Advancements

This innovative telescope resembles an observatory perched atop a shipping container, mirroring its counterpart located at the Beja air base in Portugal.

Revolutionizing Tracking

This new telescope is expected to revolutionize the tracking of space objects, capturing more than one image per second for satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and identifying objects as small as 10 centimeters in diameter.

Neuraspace asserts that the accuracy of this tracking technology is remarkable, achieving positional error uncertainties of less than 100 meters within a single orbital revolution.

Compliance with Standards

This precision aligns with the 2023 European Space Agency's (ESA) Space Debris Mitigation Requirement, reflecting the company's commitment to addressing the escalating issue of space debris.

Performance Metrics

Already, the Beja telescope has demonstrated impressive capabilities, producing over 300,000 measurements of space objects within its first three months of operation.

With favorable conditions such as clear nights expected in the Chilean region, Neuraspace anticipates that the new telescope will surpass this productivity, bolstering their operational efficiency.

Integration of Data

Neuraspace has integrated data from various other providers, enabling them to deliver comprehensive insights about the bustling orbital environment.

This capability is critical in advising clients on optimal times for spacecraft maneuvering, ensuring efficient and safe operations in a congested space environment.

Statements from Leadership

Chiara Manfletti, CEO of Neuraspace, pointed out that expanding their telescope network would enhance the company’s autonomy in crafting its services and products.

“The new telescope not only augments the volume of data available to us but also minimizes the uncertainties linked to satellite trajectories through more frequent and timely updates,” she said.

Addressing Challenges

This effort addresses the growing challenge of managing an increasing number of satellites in orbit, including those from commercial ventures like Starlink.

Impact of Starlink

Starlink's high brightness poses challenges for traditional astronomical observations, often obscuring celestial images.

However, Manfletti emphasized that for Neuraspace's tracking purposes, the visibility of such satellites is advantageous; the brighter the satellite, the easier it is to track its movements.

“Our telescopes are designed to monitor every kind of spacecraft or space object, and the increasing traffic in orbit only accentuates the demand for precise tracking systems,” she elaborated.

Strategic Partnerships

Furthermore, Neuraspace has formed a strategic partnership with Elecnor Deimos to bolster its space debris tracking capabilities.

This collaboration aims to improve tracking precision and ensure the development of robust catalogues detailing the growing catalogue of resident space objects.

Growing Demand for Services

The issue of space debris is intensifying, prompting greater demand for services from organizations like Neuraspace, underscoring the necessity for effective space traffic management.

As space exploration and satellite deployment continue to increase, the need for sophisticated tracking solutions has never been more critical.

Conclusion

With the ongoing advancements and a commitment to addressing these challenges, Neuraspace is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our increasingly crowded orbit.