Picosatellites for Maritime Security Applications - the Lambdasat Case

ABSTRACT: This study explores the potential deployment of small satellites for maritime interdiction and security applications by investigating the available solutions and formulating a generic proposal to optimize the use of those short-lived space assets in support of these operations. The operational background is analyzed with respect to the potential use of these systems by field officers. An analysis for operational micro and picosatellite characteristics is executed, and a brief outlook on the vulnerabilities of those for Low Earth Orbits is given. Moreover, a real scenario has been implemented, and the obtained computational results provide useful insight into how these space systems can be used for maritime security operations. Particular reference is given to the state-of-the-art status of propulsion systems capable of enhancing the lifetime of the satellites. Similarly, a literature survey has been conducted collecting all available picosatellites in orbit today that deal with maritime security applications. The study also explores the application of Lambdasat picosatellite (currently in orbit) to demonstrate the capability of exchanging alert messages between ground stations in Greece and in the US and vessels in the middle of the ocean. With these experiments we will demonstrate the ability magnitude of a picosatellite to support maritime operations.

摘要：本研究围绕海上拦截与安全应用场景，探索小型卫星的潜在部署路径。研究通过调研现有可行解决方案，制定通用优化方案，以优化这类短寿命航天资产在对应任务中的应用效能。本研究结合一线作业人员对该类系统的潜在使用需求，分析了相关任务背景；开展了面向任务场景的微型卫星（micro satellite）与皮卫星（picosatellite）特性分析，并简要阐述了近地轨道（Low Earth Orbit）下这类卫星的脆弱性。此外，本研究搭建了真实应用场景，所得计算结果可为这类航天系统在海上安全任务中的应用提供有效参考依据。研究特别关注了可提升卫星在轨寿命的推进系统的当前技术前沿水平。类似地，本研究开展了文献调研，梳理了当前在轨所有可应用于海上安全场景的皮卫星相关研究成果。本研究还探讨了当前在轨的Lambdasat皮卫星的应用方案，以验证其可实现希腊、美国地面站与远洋船舶之间的告警信息交互能力。通过上述实验，本研究验证了皮卫星支撑海上任务的能力水平。