NASA is investigating robotically assembled electromagnetic metamaterials to enhance space situational awareness (SSA). The technology aims to improve the detection of objects in orbit, addressing limitations of current ground-based systems.
The increasing population of spacefaring vehicles and satellites motivates increasingly powerful technologies for space situational awareness (SSA), according to NASA. While the US Space Surveillance Network (SSN) can currently monitor objects down to about four inches in size – utilizing the latest upgrade to the Space Fence – implementation is limited by requirements tied to ground-based infrastructure.
The research focuses on developing metamaterials, which are artificially engineered materials with properties not found in nature. These materials could be robotically assembled in space, potentially offering a more effective and flexible approach to SSA than relying solely on ground installations. David Smith of Duke University is involved in the project.
The goal is to create systems capable of long-range detection and tracking of objects in orbit, improving overall awareness of the space environment. The source does not specify when or where this robotic assembly might take place, only that it’s being explored as a potential solution to current limitations.
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