Sergio Restaino (US Naval Research Laboratory), J.R. Andrews (NRL), J.T. Armstrong (NRL), E.K. Baines (NRL), J.H. Clark (NRL), H.R. Schmitt (NRL)
Keywords: GEO-satellites, interferometry, imaging
Abstract:
The Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) has been involved in studying how a long-baseline optical interferometer can be used to deliver high angular resolution imagery of geostationary satellites and other deep space man-made objects. We have previously reported on the first ever measurements of a geosatellite glint with an optical interferometer. In this paper we report the progress that has been made in the past year. We have commissioned more imaging stations, both for longer baselines to obtain increased resolution, and for shorter baselines for measuring the lower spatial frequencies. We have also implemented beam combiner improvements that will enable multiple-baseline bootstrapping. This technique is essential for integrating the signal on the longest baselines where the fringe visibilities, especially for man-made objects, are so low that direct fringe tracking is impossible.
Date of Conference: September 9-12, 2014
Track: Adaptive Optics & Imaging