Patents by Inventor Alexander J. Pertica
Alexander J. Pertica has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9586704Abstract: A space object modeling system that models the evolution of space debris is provided. The modeling system simulates interaction of space objects at simulation times throughout a simulation period. The modeling system includes a propagator that calculates the position of each object at each simulation time based on orbital parameters. The modeling system also includes a collision detector that, for each pair of objects at each simulation time, performs a collision analysis. When the distance between objects satisfies a conjunction criterion, the modeling system calculates a local minimum distance between the pair of objects based on a curve fitting to identify a time of closest approach at the simulation times and calculating the position of the objects at the identified time. When the local minimum distance satisfies a collision criterion, the modeling system models the debris created by the collision of the pair of objects.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Sergei Nikolaev, Willem H. De Vries, John R. Henderson, Matthew A. Horsley, Ming Jiang, Joanne L. Levatin, Scot S. Olivier, Alexander J. Pertica, Donald W. Phillion, Harry K. Springer
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Patent number: 9067693Abstract: An ephemeris refinement system includes satellites with imaging devices in earth orbit to make observations of space-based objects (“target objects”) and a ground-based controller that controls the scheduling of the satellites to make the observations of the target objects and refines orbital models of the target objects. The ground-based controller determines when the target objects of interest will be near enough to a satellite for that satellite to collect an image of the target object based on an initial orbital model for the target objects. The ground-based controller directs the schedules to be uploaded to the satellites, and the satellites make observations as scheduled and download the observations to the ground-based controller. The ground-based controller then refines the initial orbital models of the target objects based on the locations of the target objects that are derived from the observations.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Scot S. Olivier, Alexander J. Pertica, Vincent J. Riot, Willem H. De Vries, Brian J. Bauman, Sergei Nikolaev, John R. Henderson, Donald W. Phillion
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Patent number: 9020748Abstract: An ephemeris refinement system includes satellites with imaging devices in earth orbit to make observations of space-based objects (“target objects”) and a ground-based controller that controls the scheduling of the satellites to make the observations of the target objects and refines orbital models of the target objects. The ground-based controller determines when the target objects of interest will be near enough to a satellite for that satellite to collect an image of the target object based on an initial orbital model for the target objects. The ground-based controller directs the schedules to be uploaded to the satellites, and the satellites make observations as scheduled and download the observations to the ground-based controller. The ground-based controller then refines the initial orbital models of the target objects based on the locations of the target objects that are derived from the observations.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Scot S. Olivier, Alexander J. Pertica, Vincent J. Riot, Willem H. De Vries, Brian J. Bauman, Sergei Nikolaev, John R. Henderson, Donald W. Phillion
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Patent number: 8862398Abstract: A system for tracking objects that are in earth orbit via a constellation or network of satellites having imaging devices is provided. An object tracking system includes a ground controller and, for each satellite in the constellation, an onboard controller. The ground controller receives ephemeris information for a target object and directs that ephemeris information be transmitted to the satellites. Each onboard controller receives ephemeris information for a target object, collects images of the target object based on the expected location of the target object at an expected time, identifies actual locations of the target object from the collected images, and identifies a next expected location at a next expected time based on the identified actual locations of the target object. The onboard controller processes the collected image to identify the actual location of the target object and transmits the actual location information to the ground controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security LLCInventors: Willem H. De Vries, Scot S. Olivier, Alexander J. Pertica
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Publication number: 20140278082Abstract: A system for tracking objects that are in earth orbit via a constellation or network of satellites having imaging devices is provided. An object tracking system includes a ground controller and, for each satellite in the constellation, an onboard controller. The ground controller receives ephemeris information for a target object and directs that ephemeris information be transmitted to the satellites. Each onboard controller receives ephemeris information for a target object, collects images of the target object based on the expected location of the target object at an expected time, identifies actual locations of the target object from the collected images, and identifies a next expected location at a next expected time based on the identified actual locations of the target object. The onboard controller processes the collected image to identify the actual location of the target object and transmits the actual location information to the ground controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventors: Willem H. De Vries, Scot S. Olivier, Alexander J. Pertica
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Publication number: 20130275036Abstract: An ephemeris refinement system includes satellites with imaging devices in earth orbit to make observations of space-based objects (“target objects”) and a ground-based controller that controls the scheduling of the satellites to make the observations of the target objects and refines orbital models of the target objects. The ground-based controller determines when the target objects of interest will be near enough to a satellite for that satellite to collect an image of the target object based on an initial orbital model for the target objects. The ground-based controller directs the schedules to be uploaded to the satellites, and the satellites make observations as scheduled and download the observations to the ground-based controller. The ground-based controller then refines the initial orbital models of the target objects based on the locations of the target objects that are derived from the observations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Scot S. Olivier, Alexander J. Pertica, Vincent J. Riot, Willem H. De Vries, Brian J. Bauman, Sergei Nikolaev, John R. Henderson, Donald W. Phillion
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Publication number: 20130124079Abstract: An ephemeris refinement system includes satellites with imaging devices in earth orbit to make observations of space-based objects (“target objects”) and a ground-based controller that controls the scheduling of the satellites to make the observations of the target objects and refines orbital models of the target objects. The ground-based controller determines when the target objects of interest will be near enough to a satellite for that satellite to collect an image of the target object based on an initial orbital model for the target objects. The ground-based controller directs the schedules to be uploaded to the satellites, and the satellites make observations as scheduled and download the observations to the ground-based controller. The ground-based controller then refines the initial orbital models of the target objects based on the locations of the target objects that are derived from the observations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Scot S. Olivier, Alexander J. Pertica, Vincent J. Riot, Willem H. De Vries, Brian J. Bauman, Sergei Nikolaev, John R. Henderson, Donald W. Phillion