20100038490 | METHOD, SATELLITE, AND A SYSTEM OR AN ARRANGEMENT WITH AT LEAST ONE SATELLITE FOR DETECTING NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL OBJECTS, AND THE USE THEREOF IN THE EXECUTION OF SAID METHOD - The invention relates to a method, a satellite, and a system or an arrangement with at least one satellite for detecting flying objects that are located in the vicinity of a planet, planetoid or similar celestial bodies. The invention further relates to the use thereof for carrying out said method and particularly to a constellation of LEO satellites (LEO=Low Earth Orbit) as an early warning of ballistic missiles, wherein said constellation comprises only satellites on equatorial orbits or orbits with low inclination. Satellite constellations in the low earth orbit (LEO) for missile detection are used for early warning of ballistic missiles, either by detecting the combustion phase of the flying object or by detection during the free-flight phase. The viewing direction of the sensors can be directed directly toward the earth or at an angle past the atmosphere. | 02-18-2010 |