Raytheon UK has been awarded a significant contract aimed at bolstering the UK’s space domain awareness capabilities. This initiative will involve the deployment of orbital analysts and access to Raytheon’s advanced NORSSTrack software. The analysts will operate from the National Space Operations Centre, located at Royal Air Force High Wycombe in southern England.
The NORSSTrack system will play a pivotal role in enhancing the UK Space Agency’s ability to map and monitor satellite activity. It will facilitate the tracking of satellites, assessment of space debris, and potential collision scenarios, as well as evaluating re-entry risks. The data generated by this system will be crucial in informing operational decisions regarding space activities, which have become increasingly complex in recent years.
The focus on these capabilities aligns with insights from the UK’s Strategic Defence Review. This document outlines national security priorities and underscores the imperative of protecting key national assets in space. Angus Stewart, the head of the National Space Operations Centre, emphasized that partnering with Raytheon will ensure the delivery of vital components for operational, analytical, and response functions. He affirmed that this collaboration signals a strong commitment to safeguarding both UK and allied interests amid an evolving orbital landscape.
NORSSTrack itself provides operators with comprehensive insights into space activities, presenting data through both 2D maps and 3D models. This visualization enables real-time tracking of satellite positions and movements. The system is designed to identify and follow any objects that exhibit unexpected changes in their orbits, issuing alerts that are essential for maintaining operational safety.
Furthermore, NORSSTrack conducts in-depth analyses of potential collision probabilities, allowing for a careful assessment of risks associated with space activities. Regular monitoring capabilities ensure that new objects and any alterations in orbital paths are tracked promptly. In the event of fragmentation, the system is equipped to simulate the dispersion of debris, facilitating a better understanding of its causes and potential repercussions.
Adding to its utility, NORSSTrack features a sensor modeling capability, which accurately replicates the behavior of various ground-based and space-based sensors, further enhancing the operational effectiveness of space monitoring initiatives. This advanced technology underscores the importance of robust space domain awareness in today’s rapidly evolving aerospace environment.
