
#SpaceObjectMonitoring #GNSS
SkEye
A flexible platform designed for real-time tracking and analysis of objects in orbit. It brings together data from a robotic optical observatory, an RF spectrum monitoring station, and a GNSS sensor network — all integrated into a single, intuitive interface.
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The SkEye project focuses on developing new capabilities for beneficiary structures within the Ministry of National Defence (MApN), aligned with their operational needs and innovation proposals, through the development of a real-time space object monitoring system, specifically:
- implementation of a surveillance and tracking system for artificial space objects;
- development of a system for monitoring the quality of the GNSS signal across Romanian territory;
- implementation of a monitoring system for radio spectrum of geostationary origin;
- establishment of a space operations center for data storage and management;
- reporting of key indicators and creation of a space object catalog.
The project will result in a technological demonstrator consisting of an optical observation station equipped with at least two optical sensors on a fast azimuth-elevation mount, weather protection, and all necessary accessories for real-time surveillance and tracking of space objects on LEO, MEO, GEO, and HEO orbits.
Additionally, the project will lead to the creation of a network of permanent stations for monitoring GNSS signal quality and calculating positioning errors at a national level. This network will report to an operational center developed as a research and development prototype, located on a site provided by the beneficiary.
Another key outcome of the project is the development of a radio frequency monitoring system for the X, Ku, Ka, Q, and V bands emitted by satellites in the geostationary arc. This advanced and specialized solution is designed to ensure precise and efficient monitoring of the radio spectrum used in satellite communications. The system integrates state-of-the-art technologies to detect, analyze, and manage radio signals emitted by geostationary satellites.
All three major components are integrated into a SPOC operational center, which provides the beneficiary with a secure interface for operating all aggregated systems: the optical observation station, the permanent GNSS monitoring station network, and the radio frequency monitoring system.
GNSS Signal Monitoring System
The main role of the GNSS signal quality monitoring system is to monitor the GNSS spectrum and provide real-time information about the status of the GNSS signal, regardless of the constellation supplying it at any given moment, and to offer the operator an overview of the signal’s quality and availability. This means that any jamming or interference affecting the signal can be identified and flagged in the operator interface through graphical indicators and by modifying certain parameters within the GNSS orchestrator interface.
Thus, the GNSS signal quality monitoring system consists of three main components:
- Ten fixed GNSS monitoring stations (for signal availability and integrity, as well as jamming or interference detection);
- One mobile station for locating detected interference;
- A GNSS orchestrator, as an integral part of the SPOC operational center, responsible for aggregating information from the fixed stations.
Each of the ten fixed stations is equipped with a control unit and a professional-grade multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS antenna, while the mobile station includes a control unit and five GNSS antennas, as it operates with five GNSS receivers.