C1C Shane Bruski (Department of Astronautics, United States Air Force Academy), C1C Samuel R. Harms (Department of Astronautics, United States Air Force Academy), C1C Michael P. Jones (Department of Astronautics, United States Air Force Academy), Lt Col Neil Thomas (Department of Astronautics, United States Air Force Academy), Scott R. Dahlke (Department of Astronautics, United States Air Force Academy)
Keywords: SSA
Abstract:
While many governments attempt to obtain information about satellites passing overhead using expensive equipment such as radar or large telescopes, many characteristics of a satellite, its orbit,and possible mission type can be inferred through analysis of its light intensity variations as it passes overhead. Using off-the-shelf equipment, a satellite can be tracked and recorded with a camera during visible sightings. Images are corrected for range, atmospheric effects, and the percentage of satellite illumination. A history of the intensity versus time is created from these images. Based on patterns displayed by the light intensity graph, a satellites cross-sectional ratio, its orientation to the earth, and its movement in the orbit can sometimes be determined. This inexpensive and easily duplicated process is done with only light intensity analysis. The satellite itself need not actually be resolved in the images.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2012
Track: Poster