Dr. Robert Crow, Sensing Strategies Inc., Dr. Kathy Crow, Sensing Strategies Inc., Dr. Richard Preston, Sensing Strategies Inc, Dr. Elizabeth Beecher, AFRL/RYMT
Keywords: SSA, hyperspectral, satellite characterization
Abstract:
Under an initial study effort for AFRL/RYMT, Sensing Strategies, Inc. is evaluating an inexpensive, very small format proof-of-concept system for collecting spectral data from geosynchronous (GEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to support space situational awareness (SSA) missions. The system uses a slitless spectrometer and a modified pan/tilt stage for satellite tracking. A goal of the system is to collect signatures with significantly higher spectral resolution than traditional methods that use astronomical filters for multi-spectral measurements. An advantage of this technique is that the spectra are collected simultaneously rather than collecting multi-spectral data sequentially in different bandpasses. The spectral data is being evaluated for its utility to uniquely classify or categorize satellites. This paper will present preliminary measurements of satellites and discuss observations on how the spectral data can improve SSA functions. The approach of using an inexpensive, small format system with no special infrastructure requirements opens the door to collecting satellite reflection measurements from multiple locations simultaneously, which both improves the probability of data collection and provides a richer data set by having concurrent measurements at multiple reflection angles.
Date of Conference: September 19-22, 2017
Track: Poster