The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) develops state-of-the-art technologies for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (IS&R). SDL’s IS&R Division’s areas of expertise include image compression, data visualization software and hardware, which have been provided to customers such as theUS Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, as well as many private companies.

DUSTERAdvanced Tactical UAV Sensors with Proven Real-Time Screening and Fusion Capabilities

IS&R Overview

Duster ProgramBegun in 2004, the DUSTER program provides the capability of controlling an array of dissimilar unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms while simultaneously processing and exploiting their sensor data. As a result, several UAV platforms can be deployed at a time to investigate a wide area using varied sensor types. These capabilities were developed and continue to be refined in response to the needs of both the military and homeland security communities.

ARCH

PCI 104 J2K

GroundDisplay Station

DUSTER’s control capabilities allow for distributed screener nodes to view and participate in a data collection mission,receiving the relevant data products in real-time via Ethernet or wireless connections. Duster also allows Multi-INT data products to be created and transmitted to a forward-deployed station or soldier.

SDL’s previous experience with tactical UAVs-including the Dakota, Dragon Warrior, Dragon Eye, Piper, Skymaster, and TERN—has aided in DUSTER’s continuing development.

Real-time ProcessingDUSTER’s primary objective is to control and process sensors doing simultaneous data collections on disparate planes. All sensors are networked to allow their high-speed data to be collected in real time. Such collection provides for increased utility from data fusion and intelligence generation.

The DUSTER program also builds on years of work developing Ground Display Stations. For DUSTER, the Ground Display Station hardware and software components are implemented on ruggedized PC platforms mounted in HMMWVs and rack-mounted VME/RACEway systems installed in aircraft.

Image CompressionJPEG 2000. SDL has developed JPEG2000-compatible image compression hardware based on the PCI specifica-tion. At under four inches square, it is much smaller than the standard PCI-based compression options currently available, and meets the standard PCI-based compression options currently available, and meets the space and weight constraints imposed by the use of UAVs. ARCH. The Advanced Reconnaissance Compression Hardware (ARCH) is a near real-time image compression solution for the transmission of tactical reconnaissance images from an aircraft, such as an F/A-18, to a Ground Display Station, typically located on an aircraft carrier. ARCH can compress and decompress images at a rate of 120 Megapixels per second, equivalent to thirty 2K by 2K images per second. ARCH is currently deployed in the US Navy’s SHARP and TIS programs and its technology figures prominently in SDL’s development of unmanned aerial systems equipped with small tactical sensors.

Suburban with Ground Display StationDakota UAV with EyePOD

1695 North Research Park Way • North Logan, Utah 84341 • Phone 435.797.4600 • www.spacedynamics.org

Contact SDL’s IS&R Division at 435.797.4158 • isr@sdl.usu.edu

DUSTER Advanced Sensor TechnologySDL has leveraged its extensive experience with precision space-born sensor instruments in the creation of small tactical sensors for the DUSTER program, including both passive and active systems, which include Eyepod, NuSAR, and MicroSAR.

EyePodThe EyePod is a small UAV-bourne jitter-stabilized low-cost, long-wave infrared LWIR framing sensor with a high-resolution HDTV visible sensor. The EyePod system provides optical zoom capabilities in the IR band, allowing for complete day/night survey and interrogation capability. EyePod ingests lat/longitude-derived command and control information and outputs NITFS 2.1 formatted imagery over Ethernet connections.

EyePod uses an uncooled LWIR bolometer array, which provides a more rugged solution than the typical delicate cooling mechanisms required for infrared. Employing this LWIR sensor and a unique non-moving optical zoom system under test, EyePod can quickly zoom by 6x for high resolution inspection of potential targets.

EyePod employs a three-axis jitter-stabilization solution to enable full geo-stabilization and registration even in the high-jitter environment of a UAV. Under active stabilization, EyePod can achieve a pointing stability of 1/10 of a pixel over the integration time of a typical uncooled LWIR array.

NuSARThe NuSAR system is a small UAV-borne high bandwidth synthetic aperture radar system that provides continuous large area surveillance and reconnaissance. NuSAR is particularly effective at finding camouflaged or concealed manmade objects.

NuSAR operates at L-band frequencies (1.5-2.0 GHz), providing foliage and ground penetration while still maintaining high resolution and an appropriate antenna size. An X-band addition allows the base system to operate simultaneously at X-band, thus enabling a collection of greater surface details. NuSAR is designed for onboard real-time SAR processing and image formation. In addition, this system is only 19 lbs in weight for Tier II UAVs. NuSAR employs an Ethernet connection to transmit either SAR images in NITF image format or raw I&Q data.

MicroSARThe prototype MicroSAR system weighs less than 5 lbs and runs on 12v battery power, consuming 16 watts. MicroSAR’s C-band version includes two microstrip antennas and operates between 500-1000 feet altitude using a 1 watt transmitter.

MicroSAR/s L-band version provides an upgraded L-band operation witha 160 MHz extended bandwidth and 5 W transmitter power. L-band MicroSAR also provides real-time data transmission and real-time ground data processing through an Ethernet connection.

USU Skymaster with EyePod

Non-Stabilized Jitter Stabilized

L-Band RF

Processing Card

L-Band Antenna

Core L-Band System

MicroSAR Antenna

Dakota