David Sheppard, Integrity Applications, Inc.; Dennis Douglas, Integrity Applications, Inc.; Bobby Hunt, Integrity Applications, Inc.
Keywords: shadow imaging, shadow prediction, occultation
Abstract:
Shadow imaging is a technique to obtain highly resolved silhouettes of resident space objects (RSOs) which would otherwise be unattainable using conventional terrestrial based imaging approaches. This is done by post processing the measured irradiance pattern (shadow) cast onto the Earth as the RSO occults a star. The research presented here focuses on recent developments in shadow imaging of geosynchronous (GEO) satellites with near stationary orbits approximately 36,000 km from the Earth. Building upon previous results, validation testing of a high fidelity shadow prediction tool will be presented using data collected by small aperture Raven class telescopes. The solution space for optimal placement of one or more shadow imaging sensor systems will be explored based on a global population of GEO satellites over a one year time frame. These results will be based on the morphology of shadow densities on the Earth and on the solution of a constrained optimization problem.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2018
Track: Poster