The FORTE (Fast On-Orbit Recording of Transient Events) satellite will record RF transients in space. These transients will be classified onboard the spacecraft with an Event Classifier--specialized hardware that performs signal preprocessing and neural network classification. The authors describe the Event Classifier, future directions, and implications for telecommunications satellites. Telecommunication satellites are susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as deep dielectric charging and surface discharges. The event classifier technology the authors are developing is capable of sensing the surface discharges and could be useful for mitigating their effects. In addition, the techniques they are using for processing weak signals in noisy environments are relevant to telecommunications
