Ibex: A Space Situational Awareness Data Fusion Program

Abstract : Ibex seeks to provide more timely understanding of the space environment to support course of action implementation in the Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC). The program will develop and deliver data fusion capabilities into the JSpOC to support sensor tip & cue (surveillance to tasking). Ibex algorithms are compatible for direct integration into the JSPOC Mission System (JMS) products. In this phase of the program, the program will develop and demonstrate algorithms and software to autonomously accept, organize, process and analyze Space Situational Awareness (SSA) data in three primary areas: Dynamic Sensor Tasking (DST), Positive Object Identification (POI) and Rapid Object Characterization (ROC). This paper will discuss those areas in some detail and the systems engineering effort to support interfaces between the three areas. The Ibex program completed a Critical Design Review in July 2012 and will complete its initial demonstration in November 2012. Ibex is a jointly funded DARPA and Air Force program.