Patent ID: 8511614
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
1. A satellite system for observing space objects comprising: two or more satellites positioned in an Earth orbit and configured to observe objects in various orbits including those viewed (i) against the Earth's background; (ii) against a sunlit Earth background; and (iii) against a space background; and an electro-magnetic sensor provided on at least one of the satellites that is responsive to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength that discriminates against substantial reflection of electromagnetic radiation from the Earth's atmosphere to observe the space object; wherein the satellites are positioned in a retrograde sun-synchronous orbit having an inclination of approximately 82 degrees; wherein the altitude of at least one of the satellites is approximately 400 km so as to observe space objects upwards and sideways in low earth orbit and at least a second one of the satellites is approximately 1400-1600 km so as to observe space objects downward in low earth orbit.