Tamara Payne, Applied Optimization Inc., Philip Castro, Applied Optimization, Stephen Gregory, Boeing, Phan Dao, AFRL/RVBY
Keywords: non-resolved object characterization, photometry, calibrations
Abstract:
In this paper, we present analysis of the errors associated with optical photometry used in non-resolved object characterization for the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) community. We begin with an overview of standard astronomical techniques used to measure the brightness of spatially unresolved objects (point source photometry) in deep space. After discussing the standard astronomical techniques, we present the application of astronomical photometry for the purposes of space object characterization. Examples of filter photometry of geosynchronous satellites processed using the current techniques are shown. Next we advocate the adoption of new techniques based on in-frame photometric calibrations enabled by newly available all-sky star catalogs that contain highly accurate photometry.
Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2015
Track: Non-Resolved Object Characterization