Thomas C. Pollock (Space Engineering Research Center, Texas A&M University), Peter M. Grubb (Space Engineering Research Center, Texas A&M University)
Keywords: Non-Resolved Object Characterization
Abstract:
The Fine Scale Optical Range (FiScOR) has been designed and assembled at the Space Engineering Research Center(SERC) at Texas A&M University to study the efficacy of on-orbit debris characterization using small space-based cameras. Physically, this facility permits imaging of small, one to two centimeter models of simple or complex shapes from a distance sufficiently great to produce image sizes of about one pixel. The objects are designed in 3D CAD and produced in plastic by 3D printing. They are then surfaced with real materials such as multi-layer insulation (MLI) and silicon solar cell fragments. Details, such as slight faceting in solar cell arrays, are achieved to dimensions as fine as 200 micrometers. Mechanisms are provided to rotate and translate the object. Illumination sources approximating the solar spectrum are used. Light curves are recorded using CCD or CMOS cameras which may be cooled or operated at ambient temperature. This research supports a more extensive body of work for the Air Force Research Lab and others examining image processing with noise terms for cameras imaging in visible and near-visible light, and assessing operational effects using synthetic space images created in the lab. For the study reported herein, a few simple objects (cubes, cylinders, etc.), two satellite models, and some shapes representing debris were imaged using a high frame rate color (Bayer mask) camera. Data obtained were compared with Phong models, and to a limited extent, with night sky images obtained using the 0.8m telescope near Stephenville, TX and smaller instruments located near College Station, TX. In some tests, low lighting levels were used to permit estimation of the maximum range at which an equivalent orbiting object would be detected by a particular camera/lens combination. Results demonstrating the potential contribution of this approach to non resolved space object characterization will be presented.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2012
Track: Non-Resolved Object Characterization