GMV Enhances German Space Surveillance Capabilities with Advanced SST Software

GMV Enhances German Space Surveillance Capabilities with Advanced SST Software
by Hugo Ritmico
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Jan 26, 2024
In a significant move to enhance space situational awareness, GMV, has teamed up with OHB DC to deliver an advanced suite of Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) software, dubbed FocusSST. This suite, comprising a wide range of tools, has been deployed at the military wing of the German Space Situational Awareness Center (GSSAC), known as Weltraumlagezentrum.

The FocusSST suite represents a comprehensive collection of tools designed for various SST operations. These include SST sensor data simulation (Ssdsim), orbit propagation/determination (Sstod), catalogue maintenance (Catmai), and collision prediction (Closeap), among others. Each component of this suite addresses a specific aspect of space situational awareness, ensuring a robust and multi-faceted approach to space surveillance.

Following the initial delivery post-contract in the summer of 2022, GMV has diligently worked on iterative upgrades to these tools. These enhancements include the integration of a new collision probability method named Foster, a single-sign-on feature for user authentication, and improved database functionalities for more accurate overflight analysis. Additionally, the introduction of new atmospheric models such as GRAM, Harries-Priester, and Jacchia-Roberts enrich the orbit determination process, a critical element in tracking space objects.

A particularly notable upgrade in this suite is the ability to detect maneuver trends, termed "pattern of life." This feature adds a strategic layer to space surveillance, enabling operators to discern behavioral patterns of satellites and other orbiting objects. Such capability is pivotal in an era where space is increasingly congested and contested.

GMV's final delivery of FocusSST in late September marked the culmination of concerted efforts by its expert team. The success of this project not only underscores GMV's expertise in the field but also reinforces Germany's capabilities in space situational awareness. The deployment of FocusSST at GSSAC reflects a growing global emphasis on the importance of SSA and SST in ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities.

As space becomes an increasingly vital domain for national security and commercial ventures, tools like FocusSST play a crucial role in maintaining the operational safety of satellites and mitigating risks associated with space debris. GMV's ongoing collaboration with OHB DC and the potential for further developments signal a continued commitment to advancing space surveillance technologies.