Satellite Fingerprints

David Richmond, Lockheed Martin

Keywords: Multi-phenominology, characterization

Abstract:

Techniques for improved characterization of Satellites located at GEO have been an area of research for several years. Our team has begun a research activity to use multiple phenomenologies to establish a fingerprint of on-orbit assets located at GEO. Preliminary results have revealed that, in many cases, a single phenomenology (Optical, Radar, etc.) is not capable of positively characterizing deep space objects. The paper will identify the techniques used to gather data and will detail progress in establishing a fingerprint database. The paper will discuss the impact of changes in satellite characteristics over the life of an on-orbit asset to the fingerprint database. The benefits of such a database will be discussed, to include re-acquiring objects after a maneuver.

Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2015

Track: Poster

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