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Last update: August 06, 2025, By Program Lead

Deep-Space Transformational Research

Research Resources from Astrophysics to Spacetime Geometry

Based on the Divine Principles of

Astronomy; Biology; Chemistry; Embryology; Geology;

History; Mathematics; Meteorology; Philosophy; 

Physics; Physiology; and Zoology.

Our Priority Focus Programs

Spacecrafts & Astronauts Materials

Workforce Skills Development

(Integrated fields of Quantum Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering)

MUGHALS' Ongoing Research

Cosmic Radiation 

Inter-Satellite Optical Systems

AI Adoption Strategy

Climate Modeling and Prediction

Infrared Remote Sensing 

Environmental Monitoring (air, land, water)

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Tracking

Space Radiation refers to the High-Energy Particles (primarily Protons, Helium Nuclei, and Heavier Atomic Nuclei (HZE ions) and Electromagnetic Radiation found throughout space, posing significant risks to spacecraft and astronauts. 

• It primarily consists of Galactic Cosmic Rays, Solar Energetic Particles, and particles trapped within Planetary Magnetic Fields. 

  • Understanding and Mitigating these Radiation Hazards is crucial for safe Space Exploration.  

Deep Space Exploration

"Must-Have Technologies"

1. Earth based Support System 

2. Material Science Labs focusing Self Healing Materials

3. Solar Propulsion

4. Deep Space Atomic Clock

5. Spacecraft Propulsion System and Large Solar Sail

6. Inter Spacecrafts Optical (Laser) Communications System 

7. Integrated Optical Communication and Navigation System

8. Space Missions Risk Mitigation System

Some Underlying Technologies

Earth Observation Technology

Earth Observation Technology (EOT) enables an improved understanding of the Earth as an integrated system. EOT includes the Multiple-Integrated-Technologies for gathering information about the Earth's Surface, Waters and Atmosphere via Ground-based, Airborne UAVs, and/or Satellite and Remote Sensing Platforms.

Space Domain Awareness (SDA) 

Enhancing Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

Technological Advancements - Challenges - Solutions

Next-generation Sensors:

• Space-based vs. Ground-based: While ground-based sensors like telescopes and radars are critical for SDA, they have limitations such as Atmospheric Interference, daylight restrictions, and difficulty observing objects at higher altitudes. Space-based sensors, on the other hand, overcome many of these Limitations and provide better coverage, particularly for Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) objects.

Advanced Radar:

• Deep-Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC): The U.S. Space Force's DARC system, built by Northrop Grumman, aims to significantly improve radar surveillance at higher altitudes, including GEO and geostationary orbits. DARC is expected to come online in 2025 and will be able to monitor orbits above 35,000 km. 

  • The development of such systems, potentially with international partners, can enhance tracking capabilities and resilience.

Radio Frequency (RF) Sensing:

• Persistent Custody: RF sensing can provide continuous tracking of satellites based on their unique RF signatures, even in orbits like GEO and during all weather conditions. 

  • This capability also helps in identifying potential interference, malfunctions, or abnormal behavior. 

  • Ground and space-based RF networks complement each other to create a comprehensive picture of spectrum usage.

Active Illumination:

• Moving beyond passive observation, active illumination, such as using lasers, can improve characterization and tracking of space objects. The European Space Agency (ESA) is testing a ESA Laser Ranging Station that uses conventional lasers to illuminate satellites equipped with Retroreflectors for Daylight Observations.

Distributed Satellite Systems:

• Enhanced RSO Identification and Orbit Determination: Distributed satellite systems equipped with intersatellite links can improve SDA capabilities by providing more precise, real-time orbit determination of Resident Space Objects (RSOs). 

  • Algorithms can integrate data exchanged between satellites within a formation, utilizing onboard receivers and star trackers to enhance the accuracy of RSO identification and orbit determination. 

Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)

Data Fusion and Analysis:

• AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data from diverse sources – including radar, optical, RF, and allied/commercial data – to generate comprehensive situational awareness, detect anomalies, and assess risks. This includes identifying potential collision risks and operational anomalies in real time.

Anomaly Detection and Classification:

• AI/ML models can analyze satellite imagery and other data to identify unusual changes that deviate from normal patterns, helping to detect potential threats or malfunctions.

Automated Collision Avoidance and Trajectory Predictions:

• AI-powered systems can analyze orbital trajectories and predict potential collisions, then generate and execute optimal maneuver plans to avoid them, reducing the workload for human operators and enhancing efficiency. 

  • AI models can also more accurately predict the orbital variability of debris by continuously adapting to various influencing factors.

Space Debris Mitigation:

• AI can contribute to sustainable debris management by learning from new data, adapting strategies, and developing scalable solutions for debris removal and prevention. 

  • This includes assisting in the design of spacecraft with built-in deorbiting mechanisms and optimizing collision avoidance strategies. 

Data Sharing and International Collaboration

Standardized Data Formats:

• • Standardizing data formats for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) information is essential for data exchange and to avoid misunderstandings. This can be achieved through internationally recognized interface control documents, such as the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) Blue Books.

Data Sharing Principles:

• • The World Economic Forum suggests that SSA data and information should be open by default, in accordance with national laws and regulations. If access is restricted, a clear justification should be provided, and efforts should be made to modify the data to enable its release, supporting space safety and sustainability.

Collaborative Efforts:

• • International collaborations like the Resolute Sentinel exercises bring together space experts from various countries to train and collaborate on space operations. 

    • This aids in enhancing interoperability and strengthening partnerships among emerging space powers by utilizing commercial capabilities and encouraging open communication.

Unified Data Libraries:

• • Initiatives such as the U.S. Space Force's Unified Data Library aim to make Radar Sensor Data more accessible to users at different classification levels, enhancing data sharing and collaboration. 

Space Weather and Debris Mitigation

Space Weather Forecasting:

• • Machine learning techniques and neural networks can be used to identify and characterize space weather phenomena, improving the prediction of events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

Debris Removal Technologies:

• • Research and development efforts focus on active debris removal technologies, such as robotic systems for servicing or deorbiting defunct satellites. 

    1. This includes missions like NASA's OSAM-1, which aims to use AI-enabled robotic systems to service and refuel satellites, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new launches, thereby minimizing debris generation. 

Other Important Considerations

Legal and Ethical Implications of AI:

• • The integration of AI into SDA raises concerns about potential malfunctions, jurisdiction over non-consensual debris removal, liability for AI technology-caused damages, and the weaponization of outer space's impact. 

    • One research paper suggests guiding principles for the responsible deployment of AI in space to address these issues.

Human-Machine Teaming:

• • While AI has significant potential for SDA, human expertise and judgment remain critical, especially when dealing with anomalies and uncertainties in the complex space environment. 

    • Combining AI with human expertise is key to managing the increasing complexity of space operations. 

MUGHALS' Experts are exploring these areas, for a more detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities in enhancing SDA can be achieved. 

Technology, Lawful Collaboration, and Responsible Practices play a critical role in ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of space.

Solar Storms Disrupt Earth Technologies

Laser Ranging Station

 A Laser Ranging Station is a facility equipped with powerful lasers and sophisticated detection systems used to precisely measure distances to targets, primarily satellites and the moon. 

• These stations are crucial for various scientific and practical applications, including geodesy, geophysics, and fundamental research.

Real-World Case Studies

1. Izaña-1 (IZN-1) Station Acceptance and Commissioning

• Case Study: The successful completion of the IZN-1 laser ranging station's testing and commissioning phase in February 2022 marked a significant step in ESA's space debris mitigation and technology development efforts.

• Performance Metrics: The station's performance was validated by the ESA Optical and Laser Expert Centre and the ESA/ESOC Navigation Support Office, meeting the requirements to join the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS) as an engineering station.

Source: ESA, NASA (.gov). 

2. Tracking Cooperative Targets

• Case Study: IZN-1 routinely tracks satellites equipped with retroreflectors using a 150 mW laser, contributing to precise orbit determination and space debris monitoring.

• Performance Metrics: The station's current performance allows for tracking of these cooperative targets with high accuracy, comparable to other high-performance ILRS stations.

Source: NASA (.gov). 

3. Passive optical observations of space debris

• Case Study: IZN-1 also conducts passive optical observations of space debris, providing valuable data for space debris environment models.

• Performance Metrics: These observations have led to the discovery of faint, lightweight objects with high area-to-mass ratios, which are likely pieces of thermal blankets from satellites.

Source: European Space Agency, NASA (.gov). 

4. Optical communications demonstrations

• Case Study: IZN-1 serves as a testbed for advanced optical communication technologies, including demonstrating coarse and fine pointing capabilities and successfully coupling optical downlink signals into the station's receive optical path.

• Performance Metrics: The station has successfully demonstrated coupling optical downlink signals in the C-band into the station's multimode fiber, a key step towards implementing future high-data-rate optical communications from low-Earth orbit satellites.

Source: NASA (.gov). 

5. Development of ground-based laser momentum transfer (LMT) concept

• • Case Study: A conceptual study on ground-based LMT to LEO space debris, funded by ESA and led by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), explored the feasibility of using lasers to gently nudge debris objects out of busy orbital paths.

  • Performance Metrics: The study evaluated the achievable thrust on LEO debris objects with commercially available components and assessed the efficiency of the imposed thrust on collision probability.

Source: ScienceDirect.com. 

6. Space debris attitude determination

• Case Study: ESA's Space Debris Office, in collaboration with research institutes like AIUB, FHR, HTG, and IWF, is investigating the use of SLR, passive optical, and radar imaging data to determine the attitude state and motion of debris (uncooperative objects) in LEO and GTO.

• Performance Metrics: The project aims to provide representative data sets for selecting debris removal technologies and for developing mechanisms for determining attitude state in spacecraft contingencies.

Source: NASA (.gov). 

7. Deep-space optical communication NASA's Psyche mission

• Case Study: ESA marked a historic milestone by establishing its first deep-space optical communication link with NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment aboard its Psyche mission, currently at a distance of 1.8 astronomical units.

• Performance Metrics: This demonstration highlights the potential for interoperability between ESA and NASA in optical communications and paves the way for higher data rates in deep space missions.

Source: European Space Agency. 

ESA's Space Safety Program  (S2P) Benefit Case Studies

• • Case Study: The S2P Program, which includes Laser Ranging Activities, aims to protect our planet and assets in space from hazards originating in space.

  • Performance Metrics: PwC's analysis of selected S2P activities demonstrates benefits in terms of innovation, industry competitiveness, and market opportunities, particularly in areas like space weather monitoring and collision avoidance.

Source: ESA Space Economy. 

Automation Collision Avoidance with Machine Learning

• Case Study: ESA is developing a collision avoidance system that will leverage machine learning to automatically assess the risk of in-space collisions, improve decision-making processes, and potentially even send commands to at-risk satellites.

  • Performance Metrics: The system's ability to reduce false alarms, enhance the efficiency of collision avoidance maneuvers, and ultimately minimize debris creation will be crucial for protecting operational satellites.

Source: European Space Agency.

Mission: Tracking Space Weather Impact on Earth

"Conditions on the Sun and in the Solar Wind, Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Thermosphere (Earth’s Atmosphere) can influence the performance and reliability of Space-Borne and Ground-Based Technological Systems (Electromagnetic Energy, Climate Change etc.) and can endanger Human Life, Health and Civilization."

More from NASA

The Causes of Climate Change

What Is the Sun's Role in Climate Change?

There Is No Impending 'Mini Ice Age'

Climate Change: Incoming Sunlight (NOAA)

Earth's Energy Budget Remained Out of Balance Despite Unusually Low Solar Activity

Dr. I. H. Usmani Ph.D.

ALLAH MAY KEEP ON BLESSING HIS SOUL. Ameen

Father of Pakistan Atomic and Space Program

Former Chairman (1962 to 1963), Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

👉 1936, MSc Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, United India

👉 1939, PhD, age 26, Nuclear Physics (Electron Diffraction through Crystallization, a technique that uses an Electron Beam to determine the structure of a Material's Crystal Lattice), Imperial College London, UK

👉 1960, Engineered Peaceful and Commercial usage of the Nuclear Energy (Agriculture, Bioeconomy, Health, Material Sciences etc.)

👉 1963, on behalf of Pakistan worked on International Arms Control Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), signed by the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union)

👉 1960 - 1970s, Environmental Impact, Climate Change, Solar Radiation Modification etc.

👉 1960 - 1971, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (@The_PAEC)

👉  1963, Chairman Board of Governors, International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg)

 👉  1986, War and Peace in the Nuclear Age; TV Interview

Dr. Bashir A. Syed, Sc.D.

ALLAH MAY KEEP ON BLESSING HIS SOUL. Ameen

Dr. Bashir A. Syed, Sc.D., (Died June 1st, 2015 in Houston, Texas USA) was Muslim-Pakistani-American Solar Physicist and a NASA Research Scientist in the field of Robotics and Solar Sciences. He was the member of New York Academy of Sciences.[1] 

He produced numerous innovative research articles on resolving the energy crises in the world[1]. Dr. Syed is attributed with establishing the Wind Energy and Solar Energy Plants in the Pakistan. He also inducted a separate research institutions on Solar Physics and Technology at Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (@SuparcoOfficial) and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (@The_PAEC). 

Bashir Syed joined NASA in 1989 while working at General Electric USA. He was transferred to the International Space Station as a Solar Technologist.[2] As a NASA Scientist he worked in the United States Space Program. 

Dr. Syed played a major role in the project from the Design Phase till the Construction Phase. He also participated in the Space Shuttle Modification Program. 

Dr. Syed worked on the development of NASA's space probes. He is a specialist on Cosmic and Solar Radiation. As a result, Dr. Syed was In Charge of Space Radiation Effects on Space Craft and Their Components. Dr. Syed was heavily involved in the production and development of Mars Pathfinder. 

Dr. Syed also worked as an Astronaut Trainer and in the Astronaut Development Program. He also worked in the United States Mercury Project where he did research in Solar Produced Plasmas. Dr. Syed retired from NASA on September 22, 2002. He continued his research in the field of Microtechnology, especially Carbon Nanotubes.[2]

Portable Seismograph Technology

Portable Seismograph Technology centers around the use of small, lightweight Seismographs designed for rapid deployment and easy transport to various locations. These instruments are built to withstand field conditions and are valuable for recording Seismic Activity in diverse settings 

Core Principle: Portable Seismographs, like their larger counterparts, operate on the principle of Inertia. 

In seismology, Inertia is a fundamental concept that explains how instruments like seismometers detect and measure earthquakes. 

Airborne Geophysics

Airborne Geophysics is a method of studying the Earth's Subsurface using instruments mounted on aircraft to measure variations in Physical Properties like Magnetism, gravity, and electrical conductivity. This non-invasive technique allows for rapid and efficient data acquisition over large areas, including remote and inaccessible terrains, providing valuable information for geological mapping, mineral exploration, and environmental studies.

Airborne Electromagnetics

Airborne electromagnetics (AEM) is a geophysical surveying technique that uses electromagnetic induction to map subsurface electrical resistivity, which is related to the composition and water content of the ground. 

AEM is a rapid and efficient method for mapping Geological Structures and identifying resources like Groundwater, Minerals, and Archaeological Sites.

Mapping Natural Resources

Agriculture, Minerals and Groundwater

Remote Sensing can be a valuable tool in locating, mapping, and evaluating Agricultural Value Chain; Mineral Deposits and Aquifers & Groundwater.  

Spectral imaging is useful for detecting minerals in geologic formations and also for identifying minerals in sediments and accumulations of mine waste.  Remote Sensing offers the advantage of being able to evaluate large areas for mineral potential without the time and cost of on-the-ground fieldwork. Reed More....

Quantum Compatible Digital Network

Focus: Africa, Australia, Pakistan, UK & USA

Underlying Technologies

Spectral Resolution is the ability of a sensor to discern finer wavelengths, that is, having more and narrower bands. Many sensors are considered to be multispectral, meaning they have 3-10 bands. 

Some sensors have hundreds to even thousands of bands and are considered to be Hyperspectral. 

The narrower the range of wavelengths for a given band, the finer the spectral resolution. For example, the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) captures information in 224 spectral channels.  Read More....

Group Advisory Services

Authentic Data from Hundreds of Earth Observation Satellites

Optical Inter-Satellite Communication System

Mapping Global Natural Resources

Agriculture - Digital Economy - Mining - Supply Chain