David W. Tyler (The University of Arizona and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co), John S. Stryjewski (ISTEF-CSC), Michael C. Roggemann (Michigan Technological University)
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Abstract:
The proliferation of satellite technology and small (“nano-“) satellite technology implies the need for a space situational awareness technique that doesn’t depend on direct imaging with large telescopes. We present a technique to discriminate among different satellites or among different orientations (“poses”) of a particular satellite by measuring laser pulses reflected by the satellite. Both the shape and the polarization state of the reflected pulses altered in a way characteristic of satellite orientation and material composition. In this overview, we present the major components of our concept study, including an innovative algorithm to map measured return pulse characteristics back to object parameters.
Date of Conference: September 1-4. 2009
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