Nicolas San Miguel, MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Carlos Gonzalez Huertas, MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Kyra Lee, MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Johnny Worthy, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
https://doi.org/10.64861/MKIW3701
Keywords: Event-based cameras, pattern-of-life, target characterization
Abstract:
Event-based cameras are biologically inspired optical sensors that record changes in brightness asynchronously at the pixel level, enabling high dynamic range and temporal resolution. These aspects make event-based sensors particularly well-suited towards space sensing applications, especially for identifying patterns of behavior with improved temporal resolution. In this work, we assess the effectiveness of concurrently using event-based and frame-based optics for satellite characterization by combining absolute photometric frame-based information with high-rate relative photometric event data. Utilizing data collected from lab-bench glint tests and on-sky data collected on multiple stable and tumbling space objects, we assess the limits of both sensors at detecting and resolving the shape of glints. We apply glint feature characterization methods on data collected from controlled lab tests of a rotating target and compare performance with on-sky data of a fast-glinting, tumbling satellite. Further, we compare sensor performance for stable and tumbling geosynchronous satellites with similar bus shapes and characterize glints off a rotating onboard sensor on a low-Earth orbit satellite. These results motivate further efforts to incorporate event-based sensors into Space Domain Awareness (SDA) applications.
Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2026
Track: SDA Systems & Instrumentation