Surveillance satellite image denial system

• US 20090322585A1
• Filed: 11/16/2004
• Published: 12/31/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Galasso, Douglas Anthony
• Granted Patent: US 7,821,623 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 342/14
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0056 for blinding or dazzling, i.e. by overstimulating the opponent's eyes or the enemy's sensor equipment
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/66 Tracking systems using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves

Abstract

A satellite surveillance countermeasure system uses an airborne platform to position a coherent radiation source above a substantial portion of the Earth'"'"'s atmosphere. The coherent radiation source provides coherent radiation that is directed toward an enemy surveillance satellite, so as to reversibly deny the satellite the ability to image. By positioning the coherent radiation source at such an altitude, atmospheric attenuation and distortion are mitigated. Thus, a smaller, less powerful and less costly coherent radiation source can be utilized. The use of an airborne platform also makes the system more portable and affordable.

Claims

1. A countermeasure system for a satellite, comprising:

an airborne platform; and

,

a radiation source coupled to the airborne platform, wherein the radiation source is configured to direct an energy beam at the satellite sufficient to at least temporarily blind the satellite.

2. The countermeasure system of claim 1, wherein the airborne platform is capable of ascending to an altitude greater than approximately 15,000 feet.

4. The countermeasure system of claim 1, wherein the airborne platform comprises a vehicle selected from the group consisting of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an air-craft, and a balloon.

5. The countermeasure system of claim 1, wherein the radiation source comprises a coherent radiation source.

6. The countermeasure system of claim 1, wherein the radiation source comprises a source of substantially coherent light.

7. The countermeasure system of claim 1, wherein the coherent radiation source comprises a laser.

8. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising a targeting system for directing radiation from the airborne platform to the satellite.

9. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising a targeting system, the targeting system comprising an acquisition system and tracking system.

10. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising an acquisition system and tracking system, the acquisition system being configured to acquire the satellite proximate a local horizon.

11. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising an acquisition system and tracking system, the tracking system comprising a closed loop tracking system.

12. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising a fire control system, the fire control system determining when the coherent radiation source is to be activated.

13. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising a fire control system, the fire control system activating the radiation source when the satellite is above a zenith angle of approximately 70°

.

14. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising an optical feed-back system, the optical feedback system using coherent radiation reflected from the satellite to enhance targeting of the satellite.

15. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising an optical feed-back system, the optical feedback system using coherent radiation reflected from an imager of the satellite to enhance tracking of the satellite.

16. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising an optical feed-back system, the optical feedback system using coherent radiation reflected from the satellite to enhance aiming of the source of coherent radiation toward the satellite.

17. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising an optical feed-back system, the optical feedback system using coherent radiation reflected from the satellite to control maneuvering of the airborne platform in a manner that enhances image denial.

18. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising a battle damage assessment system onboard the airborne platform.

19. The countermeasure system of claim 1, further comprising an active designation system onboard the airborne platform.

22. A method for enhancing targeting of a satellite by the countermeasure system of claim 1, the method comprising using coherent radiation reflected from an imaging sensor of the satellite for targeting of the satellite.

3. (canceled)

20. A countermeasure system for a satellite, comprising:

an airborne platform;

a radiation source coupled to the airborne platform, wherein the radiation source is configured to direct an energy beam at the satellite sufficient to at least temporarily blind the satellite;

an acquisition system for acquiring a target for the radiation source;

a tracking system for tracking the target; and

,

a fire control system for activation the radiation source when image denial is desired.

21. A countermeasure system for a satellite, comprising:

an airborne platform;

a radiation source coupled to the airborne platform, wherein the radiation source is configured to direct an energy beam at the satellite sufficient to at least temporarily blind the satellite; and

,

an optical augmentation system for using radiation reflected from a sensor of the satellite to aid in targeting the satellite.

23. A method of disrupting satellite operation, comprising:

positioning a radiation source at an altitude greater than 15,000 feet; and

,

directing radiation from the radiation source to a satellite, wherein the radiation is sufficient to at least temporarily blind the satellite.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the radiation is coherent radiation.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the radiation is sufficient to inhibit at least one function of satellite operation.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one function comprises a surveillance function.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising using coherent radiation reflected from an imager of a target satellite to enhance tracking of the satellite.