MENLO PARK, Calif., - LeoLabs, Inc., a provider of low Earth orbit (LEO) mapping and space situational awareness (SSA) services, launched its Kiwi Space Radar (KSR). The radar system is designed to track objects in LEO smaller than 10 centimeters, and tracks the full range of threats to satellites from orbital debris. Located in New Zealand, the KSR also expands LeoLabs' radar network to the southern hemisphere, and marks the first of a series of next generation LeoLabs radars to be deployed globally.
In addition to tracking small debris, the Kiwi Space Radar incorporates other significant features:
- Automated search capability. As LeoLabs builds out the LEO catalog of the future, the KSR provides the ability to automatically search, discover objects and events. Generating orbital information without the need for human intervention will provide a more timely and complete picture for SSA and traffic management services.
- Southern hemisphere coverage. The KSR is the first phased-array radar of its class located in the southern hemisphere. It improves frequency of revisits, enables better orbit assessment, and improves monitoring of maneuvers and events.
- Improved precision in measurements and orbit determination. Because the KSR dramatically increases the quantity and quality of observations for each satellite and piece of orbital debris, LeoLabs can deliver greater accuracy and timeliness to support mission decisions and threat assessment.
