Satellite Passive Ranging Metasurface Optics for Space Rendezvous and Proximity Operations

Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) are pivotal in a range of space missions, including satellite servicing, debris removal, and formation flying. Traditional RPO sensor technologies, such as LiDAR, radar, and visual cameras, face limitations in terms of power and size requirements. This work introduces a novel passive ranging sensor based on metasurface optics (meta-optics), designed to reduce power and size requirements while enhancing RPO activities by utilizing a single aperture imaging and ranging sensor. The meta-optic device features subwavelength-engineered structures that encode range information using a rotational, double helix point spread function. This new sensor offers potential for reduced power consumption, system mass, and physical size compared to active LiDAR or stereoscopic systems. The metasurface sensor consists of a single camera that can sense a variety of wavelengths (from visible to longwave infrared) that are customizable based on needs. Sensor packaging studies are ongoing, but initial estimates indicate the metasurface would add less than 1 gram of mass and no additional volume to an existing imaging system. Laboratory testing was performed with a mid-wave infrared system over a one-meter distance to prove the ranging concept and the results agree with simulation. Through simulation, it is shown that the depth estimation range and accuracy increase with aperture size. The metasurface can also be configured to perform multiple functionalities, e.g., dual field of view imaging. Applications of the sensor in satellite servicing, space debris removal, formation flying, and autonomous spacecraft operations are discussed, highlighting its potential to revolutionize RPO sensor ranging methodologies. Challenges related to system integration, scalability, and long-term reliability are addressed, along with a roadmap for future advancements in sensor capabilities and their broader implications for space missions. We estimate a 1-year development time for transition to space-based platforms. This paper underscores the importance of the new sensor in advancing space operations, contributing to more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective RPO tasks in future space exploration endeavors.