Dark Star Aerospace

17/10/2022

Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST):

To avoid collisions with space debris, the orbits of objects in space must be known. This requires a system of sensors comprising, typically, radars, telescopes and laser-ranging stations, and a data center to process the acquired observation data.

The data generated by an SST system can be used to predict hazards to operational spacecraft, such as a potential collision with a debris object, or to infrastructure on the ground, such as from a reentering object.
Any SST system can be considered a ‘processing pipeline’ to process observational data acquired by sensors – the telescopes, radars or laser-ranging stations – and provide derived applications and services, typically comprising collision warnings.

The core of the SST segment is an updated catalogue, which contains information about the detected objects, such as their orbits and physical properties. To produce such a catalogue, several steps must be executed:

- Check to see if the detected object is already in the catalogue (correlation)
- Determine (if a new object is detected) or update (for an object already in the catalogue) the orbit from the sensor data (orbit determination)
- Monitor the catalogue data to periodically schedule new observations

Once a catalogue of all detectable objects that orbit Earth has been created and is being maintained, different services can be provided:

-Conjunction predictions: issuing warnings for potential collisions (a 'conjunction event' is a close approach between two objects) between operational spacecraft and space debris
-Fragmentation detection: determine when a fragmentation event has occurred, either due to a collision or due to an explosion (possibly caused by a discarded rocket stage that still contains fuel or charged batteries) and estimate the evolution of the fragment cloud and the associated risks
-Reentry prediction: determine the orbital lifetime and compute the reentry date and trajectory

DarkStar Aerospace operates SST systems for Space Situational Awareness (SSA):
-We operate a Ground & Tracking Station in the EU, this has the ability to communicate with satellites, track, range, and analyse their orbits.
-Soon, we will open another Ground & Tracking Station in the MENA region.
-Our DSA-MSI will be able to conduct advanced observations & analysis of fast moving space debris, even smaller debris which is more difficult to track.
-We are developing a new sensor system that will be able to observe LEO/GEO with new methodology, to provide advanced SSA. Currently, our Engineering Team are calibrating the sensor system against known debris objects & materials, so when it is placed on a small satellite constellation, it will be able to detect, track, and analyse debris far faster & more accurately, for greater awareness & collision avoidance.

15/10/2022

Along with the different formulation and R&D work we put into our aerogel designs, we put them through a rigorous testing phase to verify their suitability for ADR in space applications.
Here, one sample is being thermally tested to quantify its extremes.

15/10/2022

DSA is working on some different formulations for the aerogels we will be using for ADR applications with space debris.

Part of this process involves different chemical and nanotechnology composition, which some of our engineering team are working with here.

11/10/2022

We often discuss in different formats, and the need to maintain

In the area of Space Sustainability, DarkStar Aerospace has focused our attention to key areas of rocketry, and to Space Situational Awareness (SSA) where our technology & efforts pertain to Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST). This later is done at the ground level with our different Ground & Tracking Stations, and soon with our forthcoming DSA-MSI, though soon it will involve space-based SST with the new sensor instrumentation we are developing that will offer an enhanced view of LEO/GEO space than what other instruments provide. These new sensors will go on a small cubesat constellation for refined debris tracking & management.

DSA's engineering team has also been working on another focus of SSA, one that is becoming more imperative to managing the space debris issues that we all face. Active Debris Removal (ADR), Active Debris Removal is necessary to stabilize the growth of space debris, but even more important is that any newly launched objects comply with post-mission disposal guidelines – especially orbital decay in less than 25 years (or 5 years as outlined by the FCC and others). If this were not the case, most of the required ADR effort would go to compensate for the non-compliance of new objects.

ADR involves collecting and removing debris, rather than having satellites deorbit at their EOL, which has a negative environmental impact. We, and others, have been developing our methodology and technologies to manage this aspect.
DarkStar Aerospace's approach will be with the application of composite aerogels combined with DarkStar Aerotanium (our proprietary composite material) structural frameworks.

We all have a lot of work ahead of us to maintain Space Sustainability, but DSA has a favorable outlook on the prospects.

11/10/2022

We cannot recommend this Space Conference enough!

Intertribal Space Conference, November 15th - 17th, in Clinton, Oklahoma.

Contribute to and support World Indigenous Peoples Rights in the Aerospace sector, collaborate with Native American Space initiatives to accomplish far more.

Space belongs to all of humanity, attend or participate, with this Conference and see what can be achieved in new areas!

Space as a right of Indigenous self-determination.

05/10/2022

Etlaq Space Launch Complex, the Spaceport of the Future!

Housed in Duqm, Oman. Etlaq will be the region's largest, and most versatile, space launch complex. Offering design & production, testing, and launch facilities for Rocket & Satellite Operators.

Oman is a beautiful country with an amazing people, what it & they, offer the Aerospace Industry is an amazing opportunity. Oman will facilitate new growth & opportunity for Space Operators, and a new home at one of the top 5 rated launch locations in the world!

Etlaq Space Launch Complex: Developed in Partnership with NASCOM Oman & DarkStar Aerospace:

https://www.etlaq.om/

19/09/2022

DarkStar Aerospace has been consulting with the development of a new Spaceport in the region, Etlaq Space Launch Complex.

That development has led, to what will be, the largest Spaceport in the MENA region.

In Stage 1 it will offer multiple launch pads for SLV's, storage & rocket production facilities, static engine testing facilities, facilities for the design, engineering, and testing of satellites & cubesats, and more.

It will expand further during Stage 2 which will include more launch pads and launch facilities suitable for large rockets, and anything required by a company utilizing space at this location - Etlaq Space Launch Complex.

Etlaq Space Launch Complex is:

Located within Duqm, Oman due to its equatorial positioning, adding 10% to launch efficiency

Within 1 km of the coast for safer launch telemetry paths

Has a safezone of a 4 km radius from civilian and industrial

settlements

Offers minimal environmental impact on protected natural habitats

And is easily accessible for development and logistics

Etlaq Space Launch Complex is currently soliciting interest for its launch facilities. There is a tremendous amount to be offered to Space Launch Operators from Oman, and this Spaceport!

Due to its latitude, Etlaq space launch complex has the second highest m/s launch velocity compared to the top five most utilized launch sites in the world.

17/08/2022

We've had some interesting investment* discussions today, which has led to us including another of our Multi-Spectrum Interferometer & GSaaS-Tracking Stations at our forthcoming Mars Resort & Research Station.
This will be made publicly accessible, so that any visitor staying at the Mars Resort may schedule time on the DSA-MSI to observe space through multiple wavelengths of light, learn more about the objects they are viewing compared to a single spectrum telescope, and be able to conduct more advanced astronomical & astrophysical observations of our Universe than has otherwise ever been possible for them before!

*This possibility is being provided by additional investment & entrepreneurship with the DarkStar Aerospace Mars Resort & Research Station from beneficial 3rd Parties.

10/08/2022

Space tourism, and travelling to another planet in our solar system, are exciting concepts to many people. Being able to travel in space and explore where few others have gone is a truly unique adventure, but that experience is not always within everyone's reach - cost, time required, personal reasons - can prevent most of us from being able to enjoy that.

That is where earth-based space tourism is an advantage. It can offer a similar experience at lower cost, and is more achievable for many people, compared to going on a sub-orbital or orbital rocket and leaving the planet.

DarkStar Aerospace have mentioned before that we, and our partners, are currently developing a Resort & Attraction in the Sultanate of Oman, with commercial & technical interests, that will allow people to come experience Mars, but on Earth.

It will be unlike anything a visitor has ever experienced, on either planet. It will enable them to experience Mars and what life might be like for a colonist, do new and interesting things compared to anything they've experienced before. Be entertained in new, futuristic, and immersive activities & attractions, then relax in earth-based luxury and experience everything else the Mars Resort will offer!

And they will be able to witness scientific & technological research & development that will contribute to humanity’s ability to live off-world on the red planet!

As part of this Resort, there will be a Research Station that will focus on the scientific & technical fields that will enable long duration space travel & habitation of Mars (and other solar system bodies) to be achieved more easily as well as through new methodology.
Visitors to the Mars Resort will be given the opportunity to witness this work at times, and participate with selected initiatives.

It has been asked if this will be an analogue experience?

Analogue astronauts go to a simulated space experience here on Earth, often conducting research and global team-building exercises that help us plan for legitimate space missions.

The Mars Resort will offer something similar, with the added bonus of being able to relax and enjoy the comforts & entertainment of the future, and being able to witness & participate with the R&D that will enable off-world colonisation.

A Similogue Martian experience, an experience like no other on Earth!

16/06/2022

is a topic we discuss frequently, being that we are satellite operators & involved with rocketry. It is vitally important that we account for our actions and the effect they have upon our
Not only us, but all SaaS Operators, need to collectively work together to minimize the risks & hazards of

Why are we concerned about these issues, and the impact it has upon the future of everyone's space operations?

The following link and attached infographic do an excellent job of explaining this:

https://ig.ft.com/space-debris/

22/05/2022

DSA are currently developing a Resort & Attraction in the Sultanate of Oman, in partnership with commercial & technical interests, that will allow people to come experience Mars, but on Earth.

Not only will it be unlike anything a visitor has ever experienced, on either planet. It will enable them to experience Mars and what life might be like for a colonist, do new and interesting things, be entertained in new and immersive activities & attractions, then relax in Earth-based luxury and experience the other delights the Mars Resort will offer!

And they will be able to witness scientific & technological research & development that will contribute to humanity’s ability to live on the red planet!

As part of this Resort, we are including a Research Station that will focus on the scientific & technical fields that will enable long duration space travel & habitation of Mars (and other solar system bodies) to be achieved more easily as well as through new methodology.

& , Agriculture & , , & , and technology are all disciplines that will be inducted to the Research Station for R&D. Guests at the Mars Resort will be given the opportunity to witness this work at times, and perhaps participate with selected initiatives.

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We are 2-3 years away from starting production on the facilities, but are currently recruiting scientific & engineering candidates for the Research Station. Those who are selected will be able to participate in the design of their laboratory if desired.

This will require relocation to the beautiful Sultanate of Oman during R&D periods, assistance with such moves will be provided.
This opportunity is open to all, but Omani scientists & engineers are encouraged to apply.

22/05/2022

This is another example of why we advocate for SSA and

ESA needed to rapidly adjust the orbit of their Sentinel 1 satellite due to debris from an ASAT test.

We all must be more self-conscious and aware of what results our actions have upon our orbital environment.

We must all actively work to monitor, track, and remove

“On Monday, for the first time, we performed a set of manoeuvres to avoid a high-risk collision w. created in the anti-satellite test last year. This was a difficult manoeuvre.👏👏to our Control Team & Space Debris Office”