Duke University Develops Robotic Metamaterial Antennas to Boost Space Object Tracking

Duke University researcher David Smith is developing robotically assembled electromagnetic metamaterial systems aimed at improving space situational awareness (SSA). The project addresses the growing challenge of tracking the rising number of satellites and spacecraft in orbit. Current US Space Surveillance Network infrastructure, including the upgraded Space Fence, can detect objects as small as four inches but remains limited to ground-based installations. The new metamaterial-based approach seeks to overcome these constraints by enabling more powerful, potentially space-deployable tracking capabilities. The research is backed by NASA as part of broader efforts to enhance long-range detection of orbital objects.