[Commission] Upgraded Satellite Array

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Leo Fenrir
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[Commission] Upgraded Satellite Array

Post by Leo Fenrir »

The ISI has been offered a contract to develop the "Upgraded Satellite Array" for Novatainia. The specifications for the job are as follows :
Upgraded Satellite Array
Novatainia already possess (for 500 points) a satellite array allowing viewing of all of Novatainia, but would like a custom built system that will allow the absolute best of real world detection technology to allow the rapid detection and warning of enemy missile launches (regardless of whether their presence is known or not), and the ability to detect secret movements of enemy units where they remain visible to the sky.

The full details are as follows:
To be built: A system that allows the the rapid detection and warning of enemy missile launches (regardless of whether their presence is known or not), and the ability to detect secret movements of enemy units where they remain visible to the sky. That is, if a fleet is moving 'secretly' but still visible, it should be detectable, where-as if a sub is moving under the water, or a few men under cover of a forest, they should not be expected to be detectable. This is for detecting non-magical units only.
Max cost in Anunia Points: 2000 (bearing in mind a whole satellite array is 500, 2000 is a very, very large amount.)
Technology: This needs to be built entirely of current real world technology, such as would be approved without much dispute in an international war under Anunia or equivalent. No magic or sci-fi stuff may be used here.
Further Specifications: The final product should be fully researched and a full report detailing not only how it works but what real world systems make it possible, with links included, so this report can be shown to questioning judges in a war. General specifications of capabilities should also be given in an 'orbat description' style.
Patent: All patents to the satellite design, construction thereof etc will belong to the Novatainian Government, and acceptance of this tender shall remove any future claims to the work of the tenderee on this tender after payment has been received.
Time: The tender will have a month to be completed from the date the succesful tenderer is alerted of their success.
So are goals are as follows:
  • 1 Develop/Appropriate Plausible detection system.
    2 Provide real world links and evidence of their function.
    3 Develop a satellite suitable to host the said technology
    4 Launch and deploy the array


This commission is scheduled to be completed within 12 days of this notice.
Leo Fenrir

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Leo Fenrir
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Re: [Commission] Upgraded Satellite Array

Post by Leo Fenrir »

Liberty Center Research Log wrote: Synopsis:

A satellite based tactical missile launch detection and tracking system uses infrared surveillance techniques to monitor the surface. For the network to be effective the satellite array must encompass the entirety of Micras because the missiles could be launched from any location. It isn't simply enough to detect the launch though. The missile must then be tracked and the trajectory calculated so that effective countermeasures can be enacted. Expected probability of detection is 99% in perfect conditions.

Array Coverage:

The first thing that became apparent in our research was that to able to detect missile launches on a world wide basis there must be a network of satellites that has a view of the entire planet, or at least the nations that are capable of launching ICBMs. It is possible to simply expand on the current network of satellites that Novatainia has in place but since its coverage only encompasses its own lands detection would only be possible when the missile entered the area visual coverage, at which point it may already be to late.

Optical instruments and requirements:

To achieve the visual coverage the system was developed with many individual picture elements or pixels so that the systems can detect, count and track missiles anywhere on the earth. Each pixel is an electro-optical sensor that can absorb wavelengths that range from high infrared to mid UV. In order to track missiles to the accuracy required to project its trajectory, a unit has to have a high enough resolution to observe 1.5 km^2 every second. To achieve this we have mounted several million pixels per unit. Unfortunately this makes the units quite heavy, approximately 2721 to 3628 kg.

Detection:

The system works by detecting the infrared exhaust signature of the missile. However since the system is seeking a target signal in the presence of an overwhelming background signal severe detection problems can occur when the satellite scans a target having a sunlit earth behind it due to "glint" reflections of sunlight. The detection band used will be from about 2.7 micrometers to 3.0 micrometers for target recognition or extraction from the background. This corresponds to the water band exhaust signature which is prominent in missile fuel. Detection will occur when the intensity of the composite signal (ie. the sum of the background and target signal) within the band exceeds a predetermined base threshold.

Local Detection and Decoy Clusters:

When an ICBM launch is detected and its trajectory is calculated it can then be easily detected by radar as it approaches its target. However should decoy missiles be employed the effectiveness of the radar drops dramatically it pinpointing the actual ICBM. However when the cluster passes through a polar region the ICBM, being of denser mass, will heat and cool at a slower rate then the decoys which is detectable by the satellite array. through this method the threat can be identified and neutralized.

The next report will include sources and observation technology
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Leo Fenrir
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Re: [Commission] Upgraded Satellite Array

Post by Leo Fenrir »

Liberty Research Log wrote:
Info & Technology

•Coverage:
[i]Link[/i] wrote:These proposed [systems] typically include a large constellation of [omitted] satellites in low earth orbit at an altitude of between approximately 400 and 1000 nautical miles, which is just below the Van Allen radiation belt. At these low altitudes, as many as 50 to 80 satellites are required to provide adequate coverage of the entire earth.
•Sensors:
[i]Link[/i] wrote:Electro-optical MASINT helps validate that picture, so that, for example, the analyst can tell if an area of green is vegetation or camouflage paint. Electro-optical MASINT also generates information on phenomena that emit, absorb, or reflect electromagnetic energy in the infrared, visible light, or ultraviolet spectra, phenomena where a "picture" is less important than the amount or type of energy reported. For example, a class of satellites, originally intended to give early warning of rocket launches based on the heat of their exhaust, reports energy wavelengths and strength as a function of location(s).
(Is there anything else you need me to validate?)
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Andreas the Wise
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Re: [Commission] Upgraded Satellite Array

Post by Andreas the Wise »

If you could just do up slightly more on how it detects missile launches and what typically would happen (timing wise) from when a launch commences to when it is detected and warning gets to the ground, that'd be great. :angel
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Leo Fenrir
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Re: [Commission] Upgraded Satellite Array

Post by Leo Fenrir »

I will post the links as soon as I find a source that outright describes the processes. In the mean time however I have been able to compile a brief description of the sequence of events.
Liberty Research Log wrote:Detection of the launch is almost instantaneous (limited only by the speed of light). However the system monitors the detected band for 10 seconds to ensure the detection is not a brief anomaly. At the end of this 5 second period the satellite immediately relays the warning to the central computer system (again only limited by the speed of light). Simultaneously, the system locks onto the target and begins to track its path and attempting to calculate its trajectory. Assuming no deviation, the system is capable of calculating trajectory with 70 seconds of observation. For an ICBM cluster, assuming the movement from a hot to a cold environment, the system can isolate the warhead in 260 seconds of observation.

0.001 seconds - Launch Detected
10.000 seconds - Launch Confirmed
10.001 seconds - Warning Arrives to Central computers
80.000 seconds - Trajectory Calculated

[from moment of environmental transition] 260.000 seconds - ICBM isolated from cluster
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Re: [Commission] Upgraded Satellite Array

Post by Andreas the Wise »

I remembered we need to discuss payment for this. Have you managed to find a link for the final part? Have you worked out its appropriate cost in Anunia points? And could you fill in the necessary claim form for Spangle to approve it?
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And references may be made to Vur'Alm Xei'Bôn (a Nelagan Micron of undisclosed purpose).

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Re: [Commission] Upgraded Satellite Array

Post by Andreas the Wise »

*cough*
The character Andreas the Wise is on indefinite leave.
However, this account still manages:
Cla'Udi - Count of Melangia
Manuel - CEO of VBNC. For all you'll ever need.
Vincent Waldgrave - Lord General of Gralus
Q - Director of SAMIN
Duke Mel'Kat - Air Pirate, Melangian, and Duke of the Flying Duchy of Glanurchy

And references may be made to Vur'Alm Xei'Bôn (a Nelagan Micron of undisclosed purpose).

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