HEOCam

The use of the high definition camera technology discussed to potentially detect aberrations in the surface of the Space Shuttle has been proposed and is being evaluated in the HEOCAM (HDMAX Evolved Operational Camera) program. After successful proof of concept ground tests, the plan is for HEOCAM to develop and install a camera system aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to examine the Shuttle's surface for flaws as it does its ISS approach maneuver.

HDMAX

We are currently working with researchers from Florida Atlantic University to develop a high-resolution camera system for operation on the International Space Station (ISS). The QuadHD camera head has four times the resolution of HDTV and will allow astronauts to store up to 30 minutes of exceptionally high quality imagery in digital formats. The Space Digital Cinema camera system will also be able to download standard HDTV content to Earth.

Starnav1

A prototype of an advanced star-tracker technology designed, fabricated, assembled and tested at the STC. This payload flew on STS-107 and functioned as designed, successfully downloading data validating patented algorithms and other advanced features.



Starnav1 Website

Khalstar

An enhanced star-tracker development program funded through the Space Dynamics Lab and part of NASA's Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) program to study weather in Earth's atmosphere.

Aercam

Aercam is a free-flying platform for visual and nonvisual
sensing in the space environment.
The STC is involved in the design, development,
and testing of a docking station for the Mini AERCam.

Imaging for Structural Monitor and Characterization (ISCM)

Wireless

Research and enhancement of commercially available wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 for use aboard the International Space Station and other space environments.

Space Situational Awareness Camera System (SSACS)

The objective of the six-month Space Situational Awareness Study was to explore the concept feasibility, present a system concept, and develop the requirements for the Space Situational Awareness Camera System (SSACS). This was accomplished by the STC under contract to Schafer Corporation (contract SC-03A-22-08).

Three questions were posed in the study: 1) is it feasible for a Star Tracker (ST)
to function as a situational awareness sensor? 2) what is a concept for employing
current assets in the situational awareness role? 3) what are the requirements that define a concept for a SSACS? These questions were answered by assessing current ST technology with respect to their capability to detect, track, and image objects. To support the study, a functional decomposition of a ST was accomplished and those functions compared to the functions needed to provide object detection, tracking and imaging.

The results of the study indicated that the potential exists for STs to detect, and possibly track and image, objects (non-stars) in the ST field of view (FOV). Our study supports the development of a SSACS that is a distributed, multi-mode, image processing based system. The SERC developed concept permits the SSACS to function in a Multi-mode, that is, capable of both attitude determination and situational awareness by detecting objects, tracking objects, and potentially imaging objects in the FOV.

The study conclusion was that ST technology can provide space situational awareness (SSA) as supported by the data in our final report. STs that actively image can, through the use of image processing techniques, discern objects (non-stars) from background noise. These STs have the potential to also track objects and provide orbital elements, given a sufficient number of observations over a portion of the orbit. Lastly, at close range appropriately designed or modified STs can image objects, providing a picture of the object.