Tracking Space Objects from the Arctic

Challenge

The number of satellites and debris objects in Earth orbit continues to increase, making reliable knowledge of what is in orbit increasingly important for protecting spacecraft and maintaining safe access to space. The Arctic offers a strategically valuable geographical location for observing orbital objects, but operating precision optical equipment in Greenland introduces demanding environmental, logistical and technical requirements. DENASSI was established to investigate whether an optical telescope located in Greenland could provide useful Space Surveillance and Tracking data and contribute to a future Arctic Space Safety infrastructure.

Approach

The project centred on the development and deployment of a 50 cm optical telescope capable of observing and tracking objects in space. Nord Space supported the project through project management and technical coordination, covering the development, integration and testing activities required to move the telescope from concept towards an operational system deployed in Greenland. The work required coordination across hardware, software, interfaces, system integration and verification activities, with particular attention to ensuring that the complete telescope system could operate as an integrated observation capability in the Arctic environment.

Outcome

DENASSI demonstrated the feasibility of establishing an optical Space Surveillance and Tracking capability in Greenland. The project created an important technical foundation for a broader Arctic Space Safety infrastructure capable of supporting the identification and tracking of satellites and space debris. For Nord Space, DENASSI demonstrates our ability to coordinate the development and integration of complex ground-based space systems — from technical requirements and hardware integration through testing and deployment in demanding operational environments.

Capabilities applied