Satellite ‘duck’ will help to track crowded skies

University of Auckland scientists are developing a tiny satellite that will be a reference point in space to help observers around the world monitor objects in orbit.

The satellite’s name Rakiraki (duck) reflects both its role and its design. It will be a target in the sky and able to change its shape like a bird spreading its wings.

Rakiraki will function as a known, controlled target that ground-based systems can use to calibrate and test their tracking accuracy – a growing priority as space becomes increasingly crowded.

“The number of satellites orbiting the Earth is increasing rapidly and keeping track of them all is a pressing challenge,” says Associate Professor Nicholas Rattenbury, of the Department of Physics, who is leading the project.

“It’s not just a satellite’s location and path, we also need to understand what’s happening to it. Have the solar panels deployed? Are materials degrading? Is it tumbling out of control?”

Rakiraki emerged from a growing research focus at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland on the use of light in space observation and communication, which has already led to Rattenbury and research fellow Dr Joseph Ashby establishing the dedicated Taiaho Observatory in South Auckland.

The project is led by Rattenbury and Ashby, with Professor John Cater of Auckland University of Technology also part of the team.

Space Operations New Zealand Ltd. is an operational partner for satellite communications and will provide radio equipment aboard the spacecraft. SpaceOps will explore opportunities to commercialise the technology.

Big space companies may already have satellites like Rakiraki for their own private use, but there’s no publicly available service, the scientists say.

“By filling a gap in knowledge, there’s an opportunity to serve an international clientele,” says Rattenbury.

The rapid expansion of satellite constellations, driven by commercial operators, governments, and research missions, has transformed Earth’s orbit into a congested environment. Alongside operational spacecraft, there are also millions of fragments of debris, posing collision risks.
 

Rakiraki will serve as a test target for two complementary tracking methods: radar, which uses radio waves that bounce off objects, and optical tracking, observing the satellite when it is illuminated by the Sun.

When the satellite’s reflective panels are deployed, it will become brighter for optical tracking and provide a larger reflective surface for radar tracking. Each change in shape will be paired with a precise timestamp transmitted from the satellite, providing a verified reference point for observers.

“Rakiraki will give tracking systems around the world a common, verified calibration standard for the first time,” says Ashby, a former Rocket Lab engineer.

The project was on 11 June awarded $300,000 in funding from the government’s Kiwi Space Activator programme.

By re-using an existing CubeSat chassis, the team is able to reduce costs low. Construction will likely take place at the University’s Te Pūnaha Ātea – Space Institute, with a launch expected within 18 to 24 months.
 

CubeSats are what they sound like: nanosatellites in the shape of a combination of cubes. This one would be 10 cm by 20 cm by 30 cm.

The project is aligned with the goals of the University’s Sustainable Space Initiative in seeking to improve the monitoring of space objects.

Improved tracking has significant implications for reducing space debris, improving satellite safety, and enabling the potential recovery of malfunctioning missions.

“The more accurately we can track what’s up there and what it’s doing, the safer we can make space, and the less junk we leave in orbit,” says Rattenbury.

The project highlights the potential for New Zealand to contribute meaningfully to global efforts to improve space monitoring and sustainability, he says.