by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 07, 2023
Quasar Satellite Technologies has introduced Quasar Sense, a novel tool in space domain awareness (SDA) for American defense, intelligence, and national security sectors. This innovative technology allows for the simultaneous tracking and characterization of over 30 satellites, marking a significant advancement in the field.
Quasar Sense utilizes more than 30 steerable beams from a digitally defined phased array antenna, enabling ground stations to have a continuous, comprehensive view of radio frequency events in the sky. This capability is a first of its kind, offering a 360-degree perspective around the clock. The technology not only enhances space counterintelligence and satellite monitoring but also elevates decision-making processes to new heights.
Set to be showcased at the SFA's Inaugural Spacepower Conference, Quasar Sense is designed to address several intelligence gaps currently faced by American agencies. A notable feature is its capacity to provide seamless SDA intelligence in the southern hemisphere, eliminating any blind spots and ensuring full access to all radio frequency activities. It enables accurate differentiation of space objects in close proximity, independent of light conditions and weather.
The technology's introduction is timely, considering the current and projected increase in the number of satellites orbiting Earth. With approximately 8,200 satellites in orbit and projections suggesting a rise to more than 65,000 by 2030, the need for advanced monitoring tools like Quasar Sense is more pressing than ever.
Phil Ridley, CEO of Quasar, emphasized the urgency of their mission, stating, "Many of the satellites in orbit are used for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. Existing passive RF technologies have gaps in their monitoring and characterization capabilities. It is now imperative to understand what adversarial nation states are doing in space, what data they are collecting, and what strategic decisions they will be making based on the information they have obtained."
Quasar Sense stands out for its ability to conduct detailed behavioral analysis of satellites and deliver real-time data, regardless of the satellites' position in low, medium, or geostationary orbit. Its comprehensive signal identification and analysis capabilities enable the capture, identification, cataloging, and cross-referencing of every transmitting object within the entire operating frequency band of the array. The system is particularly adept at monitoring satellite transmissions to detect interference, pinpointing the spatial location of jamming and spoofing activities.
Ridley further added, "Through rigorous testing we have demonstrated our phased array can track multiple satellites in the sky, across multiple orbits, simultaneously. That means government, defense, and intelligence agencies can 'hear the whole sky' to access provide real-time, actionable radio-frequency information to characterize objects and detect anomalies in real-time. That data is invaluable to rapidly determine geopolitical activity and is a crucial asset for military, national security, and intelligence initiatives. There is no other technology today which has this ability."
Quasar Sense's technology will be available exclusively to Five Eyes and Quad nations and allies, with the US being the primary target market. Other key markets include Australia, the United Kingdom, India, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. Quasar has announced plans to open its USA offices in the second quarter of 2024.
Related Links
Quasar Satellite Technologies
Military Space News at SpaceWar.com