Pharos is specifically designed to address the challenges of space traffic management, space debris reduction, and in-orbit servicing. At its core is a innovative method of actively tracking any object that shall be sent into LEO (e.g. a satellite or the upper stage of a launch vehicle). Position and status information about the spacecraft is transmitted to a network of (existing) ground stations. By providing regular, comprehensive telemetry data, it enables operators to monitor the position, status, and health of their spacecraft in real-time which is crucial for avoiding collisions, ensuring responsible use of space, and enhancing overall space traffic safety. In cases of satellite failure or loss of communication, Pharos offers an independent source of data that can aid in understanding the causes of failure. This information can be invaluable for making decisions about potential recovery efforts, minimising economic consequences, and reducing the impact on the space environment.
The key innovations in the Pharos solution are the direct measurement nature of the device and service, compactness and low mass, very low cost to the user, lack of dependence on the host object for resources, and on board processing
