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Sensor
Sensor definition
A sensor is a device or instrument that detects, measures, and responds to a physical property, such as temperature, light, sound, pressure, motion, or any other environmental variable.
In the context of space situational awareness, sensors play a crucial role in tracking and monitoring orbital objects, including satellites, space debris, and other potential threats in space.
They convert physical signals into electrical signals for processing and analysis, allowing for the collection of data necessary for precise observation and decision-making in various applications, such as satellite maneuvering, collision avoidance, and risk management.
Sensors can be of various types, including radar, optical, infrared, and others, each suited to specific conditions and requirements for data acquisition and processing.
Why sensors matter for space situational awareness and space traffic management
Sensors are the front end of any space situational awareness and space traffic management capability because they determine what can be detected, how quickly it can be confirmed, and with what accuracy it can be tracked.
Their performance directly drives the quality of conjunction assessments, the timeliness of collision warnings, and the reliability of maneuver decisions, especially in congested LEO where short notice events and fragmented debris increase operational pressure.
Combining complementary sensor types, such as radar and optical, reduces uncertainty, improves object characterization, and supports scalable monitoring, coordination, and long term orbital sustainability.
Look Up’s radar and data fusion for LEO tracking
Look Up detects and tracks LEO objects with its SORASYS ground based radar capabilities, improving reactivity and accuracy when rapid updates are needed for operations.
Through the SYNAPSE digital platform, we fuse our sensor data with external sources to catalogue objects, deliver alerts, and support collision avoidance predictions with a 99.9% accuracy rate.
These outputs help operators coordinate responses, protect fleets and constellations, and reduce uncertainty in day to day STM decision making.
We deliver space situational awareness (SSA) and space domain awareness (SDA) solutions that help secure active satellites and ensure safe operations in the ever-growing expanse of space.