STAR: Launch Tracking Services

August 10, 2024

A new service from Shetland Flyer Aerial Media for visual tracking of vertical rocket launches at Saxavord UK Space Port.

Shetland Flyer has been working with the Saxavord UK Space Port since 2019, providing a range of media and survey services. With the first vertical rocket launch from European soil set to take place later this year we were tasked with designing a visual tracking system for live streaming launches. The result is STAR – Sky Track Autoguide for Rockets.

Our revolutionary STAR uses high quality optics coupled with specialised imaging systems to automatically track and live stream vertical launches from the pad across the sky into orbit, day or night. The system is fully mobile and can be positioned at the best location given the prevailing weather conditions.

At the heart of STAR is bespoke software written by astronomy expert Scott Ferguson specifically for automatic launch vehicle tracking (motion or luminance, pre-programed with the expected trajectory or fully manual). The software drives a heavy-duty fork altazimuth (Alt-Az) mount with an 203mm (4064mm effective focal length) EdgeHD Optical Tube Assembly (OTA). On top of the main OTA is a 65mm (832mm effective focal length) flat-field apochromatic refractor OTA for wider field viewing of the launch. Both OTAs are fitted with Panasonic GH5 cameras that record internally and output externally via HDMI at up to 4K resolution. The live feed can be sent to mission control via HDMI, Wi-Fi, 4G, ethernet, fibre or StarLink.

A third camera is used for pixel-based tracking. Once the operator has the launch vehicle centred in the crosshairs the system locks on and sends very high-resolution signals to the Alt-Az motor drive. Should the rocket become obscured, e.g. by clouds, it can predict its trajectory until it passes. The operator can then adjust and re-centre using the manual joystick.

Tracking can be object based using a feature on the launch vehicle, or luminance based using the rocket’s engine plume, very useful for night launches.

STAR is housed in an air-conditioned trailer which contains the optical, control and link hardware. The trailer is equipped with a 2000Wh battery pack charged by solar panels, ensuring sustainable energy to power the system and other essential equipment The optical assembly is mounted on a heavy-duty stainless steel tripod for stability and levelling once in position. The trailer is kept at ambient temperature and humidity to ensure perfect optical alignment of the OTA prior to launch.

STAR requires just two operators: a tracking controller and a systems controller. The tracking controller ensures the rocket is central in the field of view (and can take full manual tracking control if required), while the systems controller ensures data flow integrity for the live feed and recording.