Patrick Seitzer, (University of Michigan), Susan M. Lederer (NASA/JSC), Heather Cowardin (ESCG/Jacobs), Tommaso Cardona (University of Bologna), Edwin S. Barker (LZ Technology, Inc.), Kira J. Abercromby (California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo)
Keywords: Orbital Debris
Abstract:
Our goal is to understand the physical characteristics of debris at geosynchronous orbit (GEO). Our approach is to compare the observed reflectance as a function of wavelength with laboratory measurements of typical spacecraft surfaces to understand what the materials are likely to be. Because debris could be irregular in shape and tumbling at an unknown rate, rapid simultaneous measurements over a range of wavelengths are required. Acquiring spectra of optically faint objects with short exposure times to minimize these effects requires a large telescope. We describe optical spectroscopy obtained with two imaging spectrographs on the 6.5-m Magellan telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Our first observing run was 12-14 March 2012 with the IMACS imaging spectrograph on the ‘Walter Baade’ telescope, which was followed by a run on 1-2 May 2012 on the ‘Landon Clay’ telescope. Both telescopes have spectrographs with an imaging mode for acquisition. After acquisition and centering of a GEO object, a slit and grism are moved into the beam for spectroscopy. We used low resolution grisms blazed near 600 nm for wavelength coverage in the 400-800 nm region. Typical exposure times for spectra were 15-30 seconds. Spectra were obtained for objects in the GEO regime listed as debris in the US Space Command public catalog, and one high area to mass ratio GEO object. In addition spectra were obtained of IDCSP (Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program) satellites with known initial properties just below the GEO regime. All spectra were calibrated using white dwarf flux standards and solar analog stars. We will describe our experiences using Magellan, a telescope never used previously for orbital debris spectroscopy, and our initial results. 1. This work is supported by NASAs Orbital Debris Program Office, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA. 2. This paper includes data gathered with the 6.5 meter Magellan Telescopes located at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2012
Track: Orbital Debris