Krzysztof Kaminski, Astronomical Observatory Institute, Faculty of Physics, A.Mickiewicz University; Justyna Go??biewska, Astronomical Observatory Institute, Faculty of Physics, A.Mickiewicz University; Edwin Wnuk, Astronomical Observatory Institute, Faculty of Physics, A.Mickiewicz University; Monika K. Kami?ska, Astronomical Observatory Institute, Faculty of Physics, A.Mickiewicz University; Miko?aj Kruzynski, Astronomical Observatory Institute, Faculty of Physics, A.Mickiewicz University; Michal Zolnowski, 6 Remote Observatories for Asteroids and Debris Searching; Marcin G?dek, 6 Remote Observatories for Asteroids and Debris Searching; Rafa? Reszelewski, 6 Remote Observatories for Asteroids and Debris Searching; Patrycja Baginska, 6 Remote Observatories for Asteroids and Debris Searching; Malgorzata Bankowicz, 6 Remote Observatories for Asteroids and Debris Searching
Keywords: LEO, optical sensor, survey, tracking, orbit determination, stare and chase
Abstract:
Rapidly growing number of space resident objects, especially in low Earth’s orbit (LEO) is stretching the capabilities of currently operating sensor networks. Utilisation of small optical telescopes is a low-cost option to increase the efficiency of sensor networks in both tracking and survey operations. This option needs to be verified in terms of both usability and quality of the output. We present a collaboration effort between the Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU) and the 6 Remote Observatories for Asteroid and Debris Searching (6ROADS) company in optical LEO observations using the Pozna? SST Telescope 3 (PST3) of the former and Oborniki (OBO) telescope of the latter. A campaign of selected, mostly LEO satellites, which are also laser ranging targets, has been conducted in order to simulate survey and tracking observations of unknown objects. Our measurements were compared with orbits determined using various fragments of the observational data, as well as with International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS) ephemerides and should provide an important data point in evaluation of small optical LEO sensors composed of commercially available equipment.
Date of Conference: September 27-20, 2022
Track: Optical Systems & Instrumentation