Advancing the SmallSat Digital Twin (SSDT) for Active Debris Removal Simulations

TMC Technologies (TMC), in partnership with the West Virginia Small Satellite (SmallSat) Center (WVSSC), has recognized a significant need for a mature simulation test bed (i.e., digital-twin) to evaluate and analyze space-based laser techniques for active debris remediation/removal (ADR). There is currently no simulation software suitable for performing space-based laser ADR research that provides as high-fidelity digital twin as TMC’s SmallSat Digital Twin (SSDT) software. In this SBIR Phase I titled Advancing the SmallSat Digital Twin (SSDT) for Active Debris Removal (ADR) Simulations, TMC is proposing to enhance the SSDT software such that it contains additional models (optical, multi-camera, radar, debris) that support ADR analyzes, specifically space-based lasers being the first application. The upgraded SSDT will function as a digital twin platform, proficient in assessing the efficacy of various ADR technologies and algorithms within a digital flatsat environment that incorporates actual spacecraft flight and ground operations software. Furthermore, we will develop a strategic course for the inception, validation, and integration of new instrument models into the SSDT, positioning it as an optimal tool for ADR feasibility studies, prototyping, and future SmallSat mission planning.

TMC’s SmallSat Digital Twin (SSDT) and resulting active debris removal (ADR) research addresses the growing concern of space debris in Earth’s orbit, which poses risks to both manned and unmanned spacecraft. The increasing density of space debris can result in cascading collisions (e.g., Kessler Syndrome) that could potentially make certain orbits unusable in the future. The SSDT can help to increase the safety of NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) and future spacecrafts by avoiding potential collisions. The SSDT can be utilized to formulate SmallSat missions that can test ADR methods on-orbit thus resulting in the protection of valuable spacecraft while continuing to safely operate large spacecraft constellations. NASA can utilize the SSDT to establish ADR technologies that can form the industry standard for safely utilizing Earth’s orbits. TMC’s SmallSat Digital Twin (SSDT) software suite can support and enable active debris removal (ADR) research that includes concerns from other non-NASA government agencies and the commercial sector. For example, the U.S. Space Force remains very concerned about spacecraft safety, which is crucial for national security. NOAA operates weather and climate monitoring spacecrafts which need safeguarded to ensure uninterrupted weather forecasting. For the commercial sector, communication and broadcasting spacecrafts need assurances that their assets will not be damaged due to space debris. By utilizing the SSDT for ADR research, universities can safely study advanced robotics, propulsion systems, and constellations, both in Earth’s orbit and in deep space destinations such as the Moon and Mars.

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