The MetaTelescope, a System for the Detection of Objects in Low and Higher Earth Orbits

Michel Boer, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)

Keywords: Optical Systems

Abstract:

We present an original design involving several telescopes for the detection of mobiles in space over a very wide field of view. The system uses relatively simple and cheap telescopes associated with commercial CCD cameras that can be placed either in a single location or in relatively close (100m – 10km) locations. This last set-up opens the possibility of detecting parallaxes, but sky conditions should remain almost identical. Areas on the order of 800 square degrees can be surveyed. The system is versatile, i.e. it can detect and follow up objects either in the LEO or higher orbits. We will present the system, how it can be operated in order to have a more efficient setup while using even less telescopes, and possible implementations for space surveillance activities.

Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2015

Track: Optical Systems

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