Harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence, spacecraft and objects, including satellites passing over Türkiye, can be tracked in a project that will also enable the detection of espionage activities, a vice-rector of a university conducting the study told Anadolu Agency (AA) on Wednesday.
Professor Tahsin Çağri Şişman, vice-rector of Turkish Aeronautical Association University (THK), explained the project.
Şişman said that the university conducts satellite orbit determination studies using artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning, aiming to contribute to Türkiye’s capabilities in space.
Recalling that one of the 10 goals in Türkiye’s National Space Program is “Observation and Tracking of Space Objects from Ground,” Şişman said that they are also working toward this goal.
He underlined that their ultimate goal is to develop an artificial intelligence application to identify satellites and space objects in the sky.
The team initiated a study two years ago to determine the position and speed of satellites and space objects passing over Türkiye using a domestic artificial intelligence application.
Their project focuses on conducting space awareness studies utilizing artificial intelligence, emphasizing integrating orbital mechanics with deep learning.
They aim to commence trials by the end of the year, which will allow for the instantaneous learning of the speed, position and orbit of any space object observable through amateur radio bands passing over the country.
National security and AI
Şişman expressed a desire for artificial intelligence applications to learn about space objects, similar to how people learn by observing the sky.
He explained that they aim to collaborate with other space stakeholders in the country.
Having completed artificial intelligence-based orbit determination studies in two dimensions on the Equatorial plane, Şişman reported their goal of elevating the AI application to a more professional level by converting the data into three dimensions.
He also noted the occurrence of a “Doppler shift” in the signal frequency when satellites send radio signals to ground stations as they approach or move away, indicating the possibility of determining orbits based on this. He said they are conducting related research at the THK University Ground Station.
Highlighting the implications of the project, Şişman emphasized that national security is closely tied to this goal.
Currently, orbit data for spy satellites is inaccessible through existing channels like “space-track.org,” underscoring the significance of indigenous projects for safeguarding Türkiye’s security interests.
The project aims to leverage artificial intelligence to track and ascertain the orbits of spy satellites, providing insights into their transit schedules over Türkiye. This capability enables the concealment of clandestine activities carried out by these satellites, further enhancing national security measures.
