---
title: "Satellite tracking facility uses computer scientist's skills to monitor space objects"
url: https://newscentral.site/satellite-tracking-facility-uses-computer-scientist-s-skills/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Science"
published: 2026-10-07T00:20:01.000Z
updated: 2026-10-07T05:26:51.323Z
id: ff600d9c-c1c7-4441-9a42-1aeb7573dd3a
source: "Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-10-scientist-tracks-satellites-automated-observatory.html"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/satellite-tracking-facility-uses-computer-scientist-s-skills/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Satellite tracking facility uses computer scientist's skills to monitor space objects

Computer scientist Allen Schnibben tracks satellite movements at Sandia National Laboratories' SOHBRIT facility using data from observations of the night sky.

Computer scientist Allen Schnibben's passion for space began when he was a child, sparked by books about the solar system and his own telescope observations of the night sky.

Schnibben now uses his skills to track satellites at Sandia National Laboratories' SOHBRIT facility, a 12-foot-wide observatory where he collects data on these orbiting objects. As a computer scientist, Schnibben's work is focused on monitoring the movements and activities of satellites in Earth's orbit.

The stakes are high if satellites are not tracked properly, according to Schnibben. Collisions between satellites could have disastrous consequences due to their incredibly fast speeds, potentially resulting in catastrophic damage.

Satellite collisions would also create additional hazards by generating debris that could harm other satellites in the vicinity. This risk is particularly concerning given the growing number of objects orbiting Earth.

As reported by NASA, over 45,000 human-made objects are currently in orbit around our planet, a figure that has increased significantly due to the launch of satellite constellations containing thousands of individual satellites. These satellites serve various purposes, including communication, space imagery, and university research projects.

The accessibility of space has increased significantly, allowing various groups to launch their own payloads and conduct research in orbit. This trend is particularly evident among university students who can now design and deploy small satellites as part of their projects.

One such project is supported by Sandia's Space Mission Program, which utilizes SOHBRIT for experiments and testing purposes. The system plays a crucial role in tracking satellite movements, helping to predict potential collisions between them or any unexpected changes in their orbits.

To build SOHBRIT, commercial off-the-shelf products were used, keeping costs relatively low. This approach enabled the creation of an automated observatory that can operate independently, eliminating the need for constant human supervision.

The system's capabilities are impressive, with SOHBRIT able to detect around 80 satellites on a typical clear night, providing valuable data for analysis and research purposes.

The automated observatory built by Sandia National Laboratories has proven to be a valuable tool for tracking satellites in orbit around the Earth. By analyzing images captured by the system, researchers can test and refine detection algorithms and machine learning models, potentially leading to breakthroughs in optical systems capabilities.

Schnibben emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge about Sandia's contributions to space research. He notes that many people may not be aware of the organization's involvement in this area, as he himself was initially unaware until he began exploring job opportunities in the region. This highlights the need for greater transparency and awareness about Sandia's role in advancing our understanding of space systems.

Sandia's expertise in engineering and space systems has enabled them to push the boundaries of what is possible in satellite tracking and analysis. With a team of highly skilled engineers, they have developed innovative solutions that are now being used to expand our knowledge of the Earth's orbiting satellites.

---
Source: [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-scientist-tracks-satellites-automated-observatory.html)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/satellite-tracking-facility-uses-computer-scientist-s-skills/