Mark Korbitz
Papers
1
Total Citations
18
H-Index
1
About
Mark Korbitz is a leading figure in space situational awareness and optical telescope network design, with his most-cited work, "A New Global Array of Optical Telescopes: The Falcon Telescope Network" (2018, 18 citations), establishing a foundational contribution to the field. As a key researcher at the Center for Space Situational Awareness Research in the Department of Physics at the United States Air Force Academy, Korbitz spearheaded the development of the Falcon Telescope Network (FTN)—a globally distributed array of small aperture optical telescopes dedicated to monitoring artificial satellites and exploring the nearby universe. This innovative network addresses critical gaps in space surveillance by enabling continuous, cost-effective tracking of orbital debris and resident space objects, directly enhancing national security and scientific understanding of the space environment. Korbitz’s work bridges observational astronomy and defense applications, demonstrating how accessible telescope arrays can democratize space monitoring while providing high-impact data for both researchers and operators. His contributions underscore the importance of collaborative, multi-site instrumentation in advancing space situational awareness, making him a pivotal figure in the ongoing effort to safeguard Earth’s orbital domain.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1A New Global Array of Optical Telescopes: The Falcon Telescope Network18 citations · 2018