Tanner S. Campbell, University of Arizona; Vishnu Reddy, University of Arizona; Roberto Furfaro, University of Arizona; Adam Battle, University of Arizona; Daniel Gray, Sidereal Technology; Scott Tucker, Starizona
Keywords: GEO Characterization, Machine Learning, COTS system
Abstract:
Stingray is a 15 camera optical array dedicated to a nightly photometric survey of the Geostationary Orbit (GEO) belt visible above Tucson, Arizona. The primary scientific goal of the Stingray system is to classify GEO and near-GEO satellites based on their photometric properties. This system is designed to be completely automated in both data collection and processing, with human oversight reserved for data product quality assurance and system maintenance. The 15 ASI 1600 MM Pro cameras are mated to Sigma 135 mm f/1.8 lenses and are controlled simultaneously by four separate computers. Each camera is fixed in position, and images a 7.6 by 5.8 degree portion of the GEO belt for a total of a 114 by 5.8 degree field of regard. There are approximately 200 satellites on any given night that fall within the Stingray system’s field of regard, and all those with a GAIA G magnitude brighter than approximately 15.5 are measured by the automated pipeline. The GAIA DR2 catalog is used for image astrometric plate solution and photometric calibration to GAIA G magnitudes. This survey began its commissioning phase on November 16, 2021 and ran every clear night until June 16, 2022, when it was shut down for the local monsoon season.
Date of Conference: September 27-20, 2022
Track: Optical Systems & Instrumentation