#USA #Orion Space #Chantilly #SINTRA Program #Advanced Space

Orion Space Solutions Takes on Space Debris Challenge

Orion Space Solutions, a subsidiary of Arcfield, has announced an extension of their contract with Advanced Space to support the next phase of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Space Debris Identification and Tracking (SINTRA) program. This initiative aims to innovate methods for detecting and tracking small orbital debris, which has become a critical concern for space operations.

The Necessity of Phase 2

The follow-on contract signifies a two-year commitment to build on the achievements from Phase 1 of the SINTRA program. During this initial phase, Orion and its partners unveiled vital insights regarding the interactions between orbital debris and the ionosphere. These groundbreaking findings paved the way for the development of enhanced techniques to monitor and analyze untracked space debris objects, primarily those smaller than 10 centimeters in size.

Gregg Burgess, the president of Orion, emphasized the company's extensive experience in space domain awareness and plasma physics, suggesting that their specialized knowledge positions them uniquely to offer solutions that advance space traffic coordination and debris mitigation efforts. He stated, “Our team’s expertise makes us particularly suited to deliver cutting-edge solutions necessary for the evolving landscape of space sustainability.”

Addressing Orbital Debris Challenges

The primary goal of the SINTRA program is to address the urgent need for efficient detection of orbital debris, which existing systems have found challenging to track. In the first phase, statistical studies were conducted to establish a connection between space debris and disturbances in the ionosphere. This foundational work will now be expanded to incorporate new tools designed to estimate previously untracked debris objects by observing plasma wave activities.

Kevin Kelly, CEO of Arcfield, noted the importance of this program for enhancing our understanding of space dynamics. He remarked, “This contract highlights Arcfield's dedication to advancing space exploration's boundaries. We aim to push the envelope in developing innovative capabilities that not only deepen scientific understanding but also deliver critical solutions for our government partners.”

Continuing the Legacy

The IARPA SINTRA program was originally awarded in July 2023 to investigate the relationship between orbital debris and the spatial environment. The findings from Phase 1 were instrumental in catalyzing new strategies to effectively detect, track, and characterize small debris that poses significant risks to operational satellites and spacecraft.

This new phase will leverage the insights gained and aim for a more robust framework for collaboration with Advanced Space. As one of a few teams selected for continuation in this initiative, Orion Space Solutions is set to lead with its innovative techniques and extensive research experience.

Looking Ahead

As space becomes increasingly crowded, the urgent need for innovations in debris tracking is clear. By enhancing the capabilities to monitor and evaluate untracked objects, Orion is not only contributing to safer space operations but also helping to facilitate the broader goals of sustainable space usage. Drawing on their legacy of pioneering work in space science, they are poised to make considerable strides in this complex and crucial arena. Gracefully combining scientific knowledge with practical application, Orion Space Solutions exemplifies how critical research can translate into actionable solutions that address the impending challenges of our expanding presence in space.

For more information about Orion Space Solutions and their contributions to the SINTRA program, you can visit their website.