Henrique R. Schmitt, Remote Sensing Division – Naval Research Laboratory, Sergio R. Restaino, Remote Sensing Division – Naval Research Laboratory, J. Thomas Armstrong, Remote Sensing Division – Naval Research Laboratory, Ellyn K. Baines, Remote Sensing Division – Naval Research Laboratory
Keywords: Space Situational Awareness, Geostationary satellites, Optical Interferometry, Nearby Companions
Abstract:
The detection of faint companions in the vicinity of geostationary satellites, either debris or controlled spacecraft, is an outstanding issue in the field of Space Situational Awareness. The main challenges related to the detection of these companion objects are their proximity to the target of interest and brightness ratio. We will discuss a novel interferometric fringe nulling technique being developed at the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer. This technique uses baseline phase observations of the target around the null crossing, where the presence of a companion shows up as large phase fluctuations. We discuss simulations of observations of satellites with companions, being used to determine the limitations of the technique and as a guide for the development of future instruments.
Date of Conference: September 19-22, 2017
Track: Space Situational Awareness