Space object optical tracking system of the UL Academic Centre and its sustainable development

Project title: Space object optical tracking system of the UL Academic Centre and its sustainable development

Project contract no.: LU-BA-PG-2024/1-0004

Project leader (Post-doctorate): Diana Haritonova

Project duration: 01.09.2024.-31.08.2025.

Project total costs: 61 380 EUR

The project’s scientific objective is to evaluate effectiveness of the optical tracking system (OTS) of GGI to perform regular positional astrometric observations of faint near-Earth objects (NEO) and observe space debris. The project will facilitate sustainable development of the OTS for purposes of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Programme, bring new knowledge and skills to the post-doctoral researcher and students, leading to improvement of the study environment of the University of Latvia.

To achieve the objective of the research, implementation of the following tasks is proposed:

• to plan and conduct positional astrometric observations of faint near-Earth objects and various satellites using OTS and summarize the data, in particular estimate effectiveness of the system for low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite observation;

• participation of the post-doctoral researcher in satellite laser ranging (SLR) observations at the International Laser Ranging Service’s (ILRS) station Riga to gain new experience;

• preparation of a scientific article for publishing in journal indexed in the Web of Science or Scopus;

• participation in international conferences;

• preparation of two new project applications;

• involvement of students through participation in social events and organization of master classes.

Implementation of the project will bring great benefit in sustainable development of the optical tracking system, activity of GGI, and improvement of the study environment of the University of Latvia in the future.

Results of the project: scientific article – 1, project proposals – 2, 2 abstracts