Keeping a watchful eye on space debris

Founded in 1983, Electro Optic Systems Pty Ltd (EOS) is an ACT Region-based company specialising in the design, development and production of sophisticated laser technologies, including supporting software and electronic sub systems. Advanced technologies developed by the company are being applied to a variety of sighting and surveillance applications in the aerospace and defence markets. In particular, EOS has developed advanced laser-based technologies for finding and tracking satellites and for defence surveillance and targeting.

Indeed, one of the most important uses of this technology will be for tracking space junk. Over the next decade, space missions with a combined value of US$440billion could be affected by space debris. However, through the company's extensive research and development program, including its ability to build complex technological systems, EOS is able to locate such objects in space to within one centimetre of their true position.

"There are hundreds of thousands of objects in orbit around earth. It is crucial for the management of satellites and space programs that their owners know exactly where these objects are at all times," said General Manager, Ron Thompson.

"Most of this is 'junk' - old rocket boosters, dead satellites and other debris from space experiments. A collision between active satellites or space equipment and any of this junk could cause major damage and many millions of dollars to repair, or tens of millions to replace."

EOS is in the process of searching for this debris, compiling a database of these objects, and tracking their locations. This will include building up to ten tracking facilities around the world over the next three to four years at a capital cost in excess of AUD$100million. The company intends to market this surveillance service to organisations operating satellites.

Innovative end-to-end solutions have been the hallmark of this exciting company. EOS designs and builds all parts of the tracking system including telescopes, electronics and software to run the systems and interpret the results, the laser systems, and enclosures for the telescopes and tracking equipment.

With defence applications development also a part of the company's expertise, EOS has been recognised through a wide range of government and industry awards and is an excellent example of the calibre of advanced technology companies located in the Canberra Region.

To find out more

Contact: Mr Ron Thompson, General Manager, Electro Optic Systems Pty Ltd
Phone: 61 2 6298 8008
Email: ronthompson@eos-aus.com
Web: www.eos-aus.com