Web-Based Software for Detecting LEO Space Objects Using a Network of Passive Optical Staring Sensors

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) develops passive optical, wide-angle staring sensors known as APPARILLO. These systems observe sun-illuminated space objects in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and determine their angular coordinates, which can be used for initial orbit determination or orbit refinement. This work summarizes recent advancements on the development of a new software for remote-control of a network of staring sensors and describes key aspects of the software architecture. The software is highly modular, uses of a central webserver for sensor control, as well as a central database for storing observations. After finalization scheduled for the end of 2024, the software is planned to be deployed across all APPARILLO systems in the field in order to build a small, scientific European sensor network.