Vincent Vella, InTrack Radar Technologies
Keywords: Photometry, GAIA, Astrometry, Enclosed Energy, PSF, Performance, SDA, Optical Distortion, Zero Point, Etendue, Calibrations
Abstract:
Standard Photometric catalog correlation is used to measure an eletro-optical system’s key performance aspects far beyond the standard photometric and astrometric considerations. A brief overview of the standard method’s use is presented with specific emphasis on Space Domain Awareness (SDA) applications. Then, additional measurements using similar methods, including: system color index, optical distortion, enclosed energy, precise zero point and relative system comparisons, and focal plane spatial dependence are described. The use of these additional assessments facilitates a far greater understanding of overall system performance and health. This approach provides the means to use enhanced standard observation reductions in a feedback manner to improve and maintain SDA Electro Optical (EO) system results with little or no additional hardware costs. Representative results from a commercial telescope EO imaging system and the GAIA Data Release 3 (DR3) catalog are included for illustration. Results discussed relative to both the performance assessment as well as a discussion of their implications. Finally, some practical recommendations are presented in conclusion.
Date of Conference: September 16-19, 2025
Track: SDA Systems & Instrumentation