Marine Pyanet, ArianeGroup; Laurent Hennegrave, ArianeGroup; Gabriel Daguerre, ArianeGroup; Gaetan Eyheramono, ArianeGroup; Thibault De La Villegeorges, ArianeGroup; Sebastien Vourc’h, ArianeGroup
Keywords: daytime imaging, resolved imaging, SWIR
Abstract:
Besides Space Situational Awareness, space object characterisation is a strategic issue to improve our knowledge of space situation. Amongst characterisation techniques, resolved imaging is very powerful, since it can provide direct information on object’s size, shape and attitude. The observability of those characteristics can allow precious interpretation on object’s status.
Resolved imaging from ground is strongly limited by atmospheric turbulences, but lucky imaging techniques can compensate part of them, allowing the production of resolved images of LEO objects at cheap cost. This has already been demonstrated in the visible spectrum. However, both resolved and unresolved observations of orbital objects are usually limited to nighttime. Consequently, favorable spans of time for observations are limited, especially for objects on low Earth orbits. Therefore, the ability to observe at daytime would allow the extension of the observing periods and multiply the observation opportunities. ArianeGroup is currently investigating the possibility of using resolved imaging techniques in daytime, by switching detection wavelength from visible to short wave infrared (SWIR).
In this paper, we will describe the setup that was used for the tests, the results obtained as well as the expected performances and limitations of a future operational system.
Date of Conference: September 27-20, 2022
Track: SSA/SDA