OFRN-funded project aims to revolutionize how satellites detect and track objects in orbit while building Ohio's next generation of space technology talent.
As Earth's orbital environment becomes increasingly crowded, the challenge of knowing exactly what is happening in space has never been more important.
More than 45,000 objects currently orbit the planet, including active satellites, retired spacecraft, debris, and other resident space objects (RSOs). For the U.S. Space Force and commercial space operators alike, tracking and understanding these objects is essential to protecting critical assets, avoiding collisions, and maintaining freedom of operation in an increasingly contested domain.
A team led by The Ohio State University is tackling that challenge through an Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN) project called Space GUIDE (Spaceborne Gain-enabled Ultra-sensitive Infrared Detector with Event-based Sensing). Bringing together researchers from Ohio State, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), SK Infrared, and SenseICs, the project aims to create a new class of sensor technology capable of detecting and tracking space objects more efficiently than current systems.
At the heart of the effort is a simple but powerful idea: instead of collecting enormous amounts of imagery and processing every pixel, only capture the information that matters.
A Smarter Way to Watch Space
Today's space domain awareness systems rely heavily on traditional electro-optical imaging and radar technologies. While effective, these systems generate massive amounts of data that must be stored, transmitted, and processed—an increasingly difficult task as the number of satellites and objects in orbit continues to grow.
"Most of what a sensor sees in space is actually nothing," said Dr. Sanjay Krishna, Chair of Graduate Studies and Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, George R Smith Chair in Engineering, "The vast majority of pixels are simply empty background. Yet traditional imaging systems still collect and process all of that information."
Space GUIDE takes a different approach through event-based sensing. Rather than continuously capturing complete images, event-based sensors detect only changes occurring within a scene.
If nothing changes, no data is generated. If an object moves or appears, the sensor records only that event.
The result is a dramatic reduction in data volume—potentially reducing information requirements by orders of magnitude while enabling faster processing and decision-making.
As Low Earth Orbit becomes increasingly congested and strategic competition expands into space, that efficiency could become a critical advantage.
Bringing Infrared Vision to Event-Based Sensors
While event-based sensing has shown promise in other applications, Space GUIDE is seeking to push the technology into a new frontier by combining it with short-wave infrared (SWIR) detection.
Infrared sensing offers unique advantages for observing objects in space. Unlike visible-light systems, SWIR sensors can capture thermal and spectroscopic signatures that reveal important information about spacecraft materials and components. The wavelength range is also particularly effective for observing solar panels, one of the most prominent features on many satellites.
"Infrared detection provides richer information about what an object is and what it's doing," said Krishna. "But event-based infrared sensors for space applications have not yet been developed and commercialized."
Creating that capability requires overcoming a significant technical hurdle: sensitivity.
To address the challenge, researchers are incorporating advanced avalanche photodiodes (APDs) into the sensor design. APDs amplify incoming signals by multiplying the electrons generated when light strikes the detector, creating a stronger signal that can be detected more easily.
The approach offers a major advantage over traditional high-performance infrared detectors, which often rely on expensive materials and bulky cryogenic cooling systems.
Because APDs can operate effectively at higher temperatures, they reduce the need for large cooling equipment, potentially lowering cost, size, weight, and power requirements while making advanced infrared sensing practical for smaller satellite platforms.
Building Technology and an Ecosystem
Space GUIDE exemplifies the collaborative model OFRN was created to foster.
The project combines foundational research from Ohio's universities with the engineering expertise of industry and the operational insight of federal laboratories.
Ohio State and AFIT provide expertise in infrared detector materials and event-based sensing architecture. SK Infrared is developing next-generation infrared detector components, while SenseICs contributes advanced electronic circuitry and sensor integration capabilities. AFRL helps define performance requirements and validates pathways toward operational adoption and commercialization.
The partnership is designed not only to advance a breakthrough technology, but also to accelerate its transition from laboratory research to real-world deployment.
"Our goal is ultimately to produce and commercialize a technology that enhances how we conduct space domain awareness operations," said Krishna.
Success for the Space GUIDE team will be measured by a planned demonstration of the technology within an optical telescope system at AFIT. If successful, the project could pave the way for commercialization efforts with larger optical device manufacturers and future collaborations with Air Force and Space Force stakeholders.
Preparing Ohio's Future Space Workforce
The project's impact extends beyond technology development.
Researchers are currently engaging six to seven students across Ohio State and AFIT in areas ranging from detector material development and device design to electronics integration and testing.
For these students, the project provides hands-on experience working at the intersection of national security, advanced manufacturing, and commercial space technology.
It also creates opportunities for Ohio-based small businesses to establish themselves as contributors to the rapidly growing space economy.
“By connecting students, startups, universities, and federal laboratories around a shared mission, the project helps strengthen the talent pipeline needed to support future growth in Ohio's aerospace and defense sectors,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mark Bartman, Executive Director, OFRN. “Just as importantly, it represents another example of Ohio's growing role in advancing technologies that support both national security and commercial innovation.”
As the space domain becomes more crowded, complex, and strategically important, Ohio researchers are working to ensure the nation can continue to see clearly—and act decisively—among the thousands of objects orbiting overhead.
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About Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN)
The Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN) has the mission to stimulate Ohio’s innovation economy by building statewide university-industry research collaborations that meet the requirements of Ohio’s federal laboratories, resulting in the creation of technologies that drive job growth for the State of Ohio. The OFRN is a program managed by Parallax Advanced Research in collaboration with The Ohio State University and is funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
About Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)
Parallax Advanced Research is a research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.
