Track at Big Distances with Track-Before-Detect (TBD2)

The Track at Big Distances with Track-Before-Detect (TBD2) program aims to enable continuous space-based detection and tracking of objects in cislunar space. The program seeks to advance the state of the art for signal processing algorithms to detect faint objects at gigameter distances, operate using available onboard processing capabilities, and achieve this within relevant timelines. The program consists of two tasks: developing signal processing algorithms and conducting a payload design trade study. The program will result in the development of fully developed signal processing algorithms and government-approved payload designs that can be used to proceed with initial system design by a transition partner. • The program will focus on detecting and tracking faint moving resident space objects (RSOs) of 1 meter from the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point 1 (SEL1). • The program will require a novel approach to signal processing to detect faint objects at distances up to 2 Gigameter (Gm). • The program will develop two distinct payload designs: one for employment at SEL1 and another for employment in a beyond GEO/cislunar orbit. • The program will evaluate performer algorithms on a government team-hosted platform to assess accuracy of detection and tracking of dim targets. • The program will consider factors such as payload mass and power consumption in the evaluation of payload designs.