Computer scientist tracks satellites with automated observatory built from off-the-shelf technology
Allen Schnibben's interest in space started when he was a child. "I picked up some books about the solar system when I was in elementary school. In middle school, I got a telescope and I started observing the night sky as a hobby," said Schnibben, a computer scientist at Sandia National Laboratories. "My entire life, I've had an interest in space." Now, Schnibben collects data on satellites at…
Allen Schnibben, a computer scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, has an enduring passion for space that began in his childhood. Now, he operates SOHBRIT, a 12-foot-wide observatory, to monitor satellites orbiting Earth. With over 45,000 human-made objects in Earth's orbit as of 2024, the risk of catastrophic collisions has increased due to the proliferation of satellite constellations.
SOHBRIT, built using commercial off-the-shelf technology, automates the process of tracking these satellites, reducing the need for constant human monitoring. Each night, SOHBRIT observes around 80 satellites, capturing their images for further analysis. This data aids in detecting potential collisions, testing algorithms, and advancing optical system capabilities.
Schnibben emphasizes the importance of Sandia's role in space exploration, highlighting the expertise of the institution's engineers in developing innovative technologies.
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