• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.201-207
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• 2015

An algorithm to automatically extract coordinate and time information from optical observation data of geostationary orbit satellites (GEO satellites) or geosynchronous orbit satellites (GOS satellites) is developed. The optical wide-field patrol system is capable of automatic observation using a pre-arranged schedule. Therefore, if this type of automatic analysis algorithm is available, daily unmanned monitoring of GEO satellites can be possible. For data acquisition for development, the COMS1 satellite was observed with 1-s exposure time and 1-m interval. The images were grouped and processed in terms of "action", and each action was composed of six or nine successive images. First, a reference image with the best quality in one action was selected. Next, the rest of the images in the action were geometrically transformed to fit in the horizontal coordinate system (expressed in azimuthal angle and elevation) of the reference image. Then, these images were median-combined to retain only the possible non-moving GEO candidates. By reverting the coordinate transformation of the positions of these GEO satellite candidates, the final coordinates could be calculated.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.333-344
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• 2011

An optical tracking system has advantages for observing geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites relatively over other types of observation system. Regular surveying for unidentified space objects with the optical tracking system can be an early warning tool for the safety of five Korean active GEO satellites. Two strategies of positioning on the observed image of Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite 1 are tested and compared. Photometric method has a half root mean square error against streak method. Also eccentricity method for initial orbit determination (IOD) is tested with simulation data and real observation data. Under 10 minutes observation time interval, eccentricity method shows relatively better IOD results than the other time interval. For follow-up observation of unidentified space objects, at least two consecutive observations are needed in 5 minutes to determine orbit for geosynchronous orbit space objects.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.193-206
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• 2013

The detector subsystem of the Optical Wide-field Patrol (OWL) network efficiently acquires the position and time information of moving objects such as artificial satellites through its chopper system, which consists of 4 blades in front of the CCD camera. Using this system, it is possible to get more position data with the same exposure time by changing the streaks of the moving objects into many pieces with the fast rotating blades during sidereal tracking. At the same time, the time data from the rotating chopper can be acquired by the time tagger connected to the photo diode. To analyze the orbits of the targets detected in the image data of such a system, a sequential procedure of determining the positions of separated streak lines was developed that involved calculating the World Coordinate System (WCS) solution to transform the positions into equatorial coordinate systems, and finally combining the time log records from the time tagger with the transformed position data. We introduce this procedure and the preliminary results of the application of this procedure to the test observation images.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.279-286
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• 2018

Radar sensors are used for space situational awareness (SSA) to determine collision risk and detect re-entry of space objects. The capability of SSA radar system includes radar sensitivity such as the detectable radar cross-section as a function of range and tracking capability to indicate tracking time and measurement errors. The time duration of the target staying in a range cell is short; therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio cannot be improved through the pulse integration method used in pulse-Doppler signal processing. In this study, a method of improving the signal-to-noise ratio during range migration is presented. The improved detection performance from signal processing gains realized in this study can be used as a basis for comprehensively designing an SSA radar system.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.36-44
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• 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly needed as they can replace manned aircrafts in dangerous military missions. However, because of their low autonomy, current UAVs can execute missions only under continuous operator control. To overcome this limitation, higher autonomy levels of UAVs based on autonomous situational awareness is required. In this paper, we propose an autonomous situational awareness software consisting of situation awareness management, threat recognition, threat identification, and threat space analysis to detect dynamic situational change by external threats. We implemented the proposed software in real mission computer hardware and evaluated the performance of situational awareness toward dynamic radar threats in flight simulations.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.214-224
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• 2018

Continuous space development increases the occurrence probability of space hazards such as collapse of a satellite and collision between a satellite and space debris. In Korea, a space surveillance network with optical system has been developed; however, the radar technology for an independent space surveillance needs to be secured. Herein, an L-band phased array radar system for the detection and tracking of space objects is proposed to provide a number of services including collision avoidance and the prediction of re-entry events. With the mission analysis of space surveillance and the case analysis of foreign advanced radar systems, the radar parameters are defined and designed. The proposed radar system is able to detect a debris having a diameter of 10 cm at a maximum distance of 1,576 km. In addition, we confirmed the possibility of using the space surveillance mission for domestic satellites through the analysis of the detection area.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.289-302
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• 2017

The key risk analysis technologies for the re-entry of space objects into Earth's atmosphere are divided into four categories: cataloguing and databases of the re-entry of space objects, lifetime and re-entry trajectory predictions, break-up models after re-entry and multiple debris distribution predictions, and ground impact probability models. In this study, we focused on reentry prediction, including orbital lifetime assessments, for space situational awareness systems. Re-entry predictions are very difficult and are affected by various sources of uncertainty. In particular, during uncontrolled re-entry, large spacecraft may break into several pieces of debris, and the surviving fragments can be a significant hazard for persons and properties on the ground. In recent years, specific methods and procedures have been developed to provide clear information for predicting and analyzing the re-entry of space objects and for ground-risk assessments. Representative tools include object reentry survival analysis tool (ORSAT) and debris assessment software (DAS) developed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), spacecraft atmospheric re-entry and aerothermal break-up (SCARAB) and debris risk assessment and mitigation analysis (DRAMA) developed by European Space Agency (ESA), and semi-analytic tool for end of life analysis (STELA) developed by Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). In this study, various surveys of existing re-entry space objects are reviewed, and an efficient re-entry prediction technique is suggested based on STELA, the life-cycle analysis tool for satellites, and DRAMA, a re-entry analysis tool. To verify the proposed method, the re-entry of the Tiangong-1 Space Lab, which is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere shortly, was simulated. Eventually, these results will provide a basis for space situational awareness risk analyses of the re-entry of space objects.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.303-314
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• 2017

With increased human activity in space, the risk of re-entry and collision between space objects is constantly increasing. Hence, the need for space situational awareness (SSA) programs has been acknowledged by many experienced space agencies. Optical and radar sensors, which enable the surveillance and tracking of space objects, are the most important technical components of SSA systems. In particular, combinations of radar systems and optical sensor networks play an outstanding role in SSA programs. At present, Korea operates the optical wide field patrol network (OWL-Net), the only optical system for tracking space objects. However, due to their dependence on weather conditions and observation time, it is not reasonable to use optical systems alone for SSA initiatives, as they have limited operational availability. Therefore, the strategies for developing radar systems should be considered for an efficient SSA system using currently available technology. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance of a radar system in detecting and tracking space objects. With the radar system investigated, the minimum sensitivity is defined as detection of a $1-m^2$ radar cross section (RCS) at an altitude of 2,000 km, with operating frequencies in the L, S, C, X or Ku-band. The results of power budget analysis showed that the maximum detection range of 2,000 km, which includes the low earth orbit (LEO) environment, can be achieved with a transmission power of 900 kW, transmit and receive antenna gains of 40 dB and 43 dB, respectively, a pulse width of 2 ms, and a signal processing gain of 13.3 dB, at a frequency of 1.3 GHz. We defined the key parameters of the radar following a performance analysis of the system. This research can thus provide guidelines for the conceptual design of radar systems for national SSA initiatives.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.648-659
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• 2018

In this study, both the altitude error due to the refraction and the range error due to the delay in the ionosphere with respect to the frequency are extracted according to the radar elevation to analyze the effect of atmosphere on the space surveillance radar. To achieve this, the radio refractivity profile is modeled using the measured data from domestic weather stations. Then, the altitude-error due to the refraction is extracted using the ray tracing method, and the range error in the ionosphere is extracted according to the frequency. Further, considerations for radar design with respect to the radar error characteristics are discussed based on the abroad space surveillance radar and proposed domestic space surveillance radar. This analysis of the error characteristics is expected to be utilized for the determination of radar location, range of steering, and frequency in the space surveillance radar design.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.18
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• pp.105-134
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• 2003

This paper describes generic cognitive aspects of the air traffic controller's performance and perceptive activities unveiled through the past literature study. which underlines mental modelling and mental picture presented in the middle of complicated situational awareness and decision making process when air traffic controller comes to determine the distance between aircraft under control to maintain air traffic in a safe, orderly and expeditious way. It also describes human limit in terms of human memory in conjunction with relative workloads and environmental factor. In conclusion, It suggest that ATC authority will take into account the qualitatiive adjustment of training requirement necessary for ATC facility rating and refresher training to allow them more preparedness for better situational awareness and optimal decision making. In this paper controller's behavioral activators affecting their job performance are addressed in perspective of aviation safety.