Michael C. Roggemann (Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC), Dennis Douglas (Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC), Eric Therkildsen (Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC), David Archambeault (Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC), Riki Maeda (Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC), David Schultz (Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC), Ben Wheeler (Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC)
Keywords: Adaptive Optics, Imaging
Abstract:
An operational technology for imaging satellites during the daytime hours would vastly increase the ability of optical space situational awareness (SSA) systems to gather information about satellites. During the day the atmospheric seeing is generally worse than in terminator, and the contribution of sky background noise to the image measurement is significant. We have developed a straightforward model for estimating the signal-to-noise ratio of the image during daytime hours, and have used this model to help select the optimal wave band for imaging during daytime hours. In this paper we describe the model, and present results. We also present simulated bispectrum images of a space object imaged in strong background at the wavelength of 800 nm. We find that imaging satellites in the near infrared band of 765-915 nm during daytime conditions will often be feasible.
Date of Conference: September 14-17, 2010
Track: Adaptive Optics & Imaging