Electro Optic Systems two US contract wins

Space, communications and defence manufacturer Electro Optic Systems has been awarded two contracts with the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Space Commerce.

The first contract, with the company’s US subsidiary EOS Defense Systems USA, will provide commercial satellite laser ranging (SLR) data for NOAA’s Open Architecture Data Repository, with the second contract providing passive electro-optical observations.

The contracts respond to the ever-increasing number of space objects orbiting the Earth, with NOAA’s Open Architecture SSA Repository planning pilots, prototypes and experiments to facilitate the safe operation of space-based vehicles.

This effort will be supported by EOS Space Systems providing services from its Australian ground-based space-tracking infrastructure and observation facilities at Mt Stromlo, ACT and Learmonth, WA.

Over the past three years EOS has made significant contributions to the US-led Sprint Advanced Concept Training (SACT) exercises, responding in real-time alongside international participants to a variety of simulated and actual space events.

The exercises are the premier showcase and ‘sandbox’ for the global space industry’s new and emerging technologies.

Most recently EOS showed its proficiency in space domain awareness, supplying SACT Operations with high-fidelity, near-time image, tracking and ‘light curve data’ for the entire event.

They also recorded and analysed a number of live rendezvous and proximity operation incidents between orbiting objects that occurred during the exercises.

CEO of EOSDS USA retired Brig. Gen. Phil Coker said: “EOSDS USA is pleased to offer this capability to NOAA to advance US Space Domain Awareness capabilities and ultimately help protect future space missions.

“After decades of being a global leader in Space Situational Awareness, we’re proud to bring this exceptional technology to the US.”

EOS is continuing to expand its commercial data services, the company said in a statement. Offering accurate daytime and night-time surveillance from low Earth orbit (LEO) through to beyond Earth orbit (xGEO),.

EOS provides tracking of small, dim and far objects, according to the company. It offers high-accuracy laser ranging to satellites and debris and provides actionable information to satellite operators.

Executive Vice President of EOS Space Systems James Bennett said: “EOS Space Systems is pleased to offer our tracking services to NOAA and contribute to the advancement of space traffic management and space situational awareness capabilities.

“EOS is committed to the safety of flight of satellites and are pleased to be working closely with the US to facilitate the safe operation of space-based vehicles.”

Picture caption: Satellite laser ranging at the EOS Space Systems Mt Stromlo Space Research Centre, Canberra, Australia.

Picture: Electro Optic Systems