The idea is to develop and test a new system for low-cost, low-power tracking and identification of space objects. Two main concepts are developed: a passive bi-static and an active mono-static in orbit system. Then it is proposed that the former system is tested on ground and a flight model of the latter system is developed for space use. The passive bi-static system detects space objects by recording the occultation of any radio signal due to an object flying in between the emitter and the receiver. In this study we propose to have a formation of receivers flying in Low Erath Orbit and receiving the signals of a number of commercial satellites (illuminators of opportunity) flying at higher altitudes The active mono-static system will include a dedicated emitter to the set of satellites. The emitter will generate the radar signal and the receivers will detect the illuminated objects (Fig. 2 in the background section). We propose a new 3D Phased Array Antenna (3D-PAA) that allows for a very quick 3D electrical scanning and illumination of the space with no moving parts. The 3D-PAA can simultaneously identify several signals from debris using the Digital Beam Forming Technology. The constellation of the 3D-PAA can work as one large aperture antenna using a newly developed phase control system. In the passive configuration the 3D-PAA can be mounted on any low-latitude satellite and requires no additional power (see the reference paper in the background section). The ground testing of this idea will see the installation of a 3D-PAA on the roof of the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) in Glasgow. The readings from the 3D-PAA will be processed in the Concurrent and Collaborative Design Studio in the TIC. A second 3D-PAA will be mounted at the Big Island in Hawaii. These two 3D-PAA working together will allow identifying and tracking objects over a good portion of the sky and will allow follow up detections of the same object.
