Measurement of the Visible Reflectance Spectra of Orbiting Satellites

Abstract

Low resolution reflectance spectra of three orbiting satellites, objects 2253, 3819, and 4392, were measured using a scanning spectrometer designed and built for use with the Aerospace Research Laboratories satellite tracking telescope. The spectrometer, having a variable bandpass interference filter as the dispersive element, operates between 4000 and 7000 A with a resolution of 150 A. The required data reduction procedures were developed and the system was tested on astronomical objects. The measured reflectance spectrum of object 2253 is in agreement with that of the known surface material, aluminum. The measured reflectance spectra of objects 3819 and 4392 resemble those of white paints.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0726988

Entities

People

  • John V. Lambert

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Data Reduction
  • Detectors
  • Measurement
  • Observation
  • Observatories
  • Optics
  • Photomultiplier Tubes
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Reflectance
  • Reflectivity
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Spacecraft
  • Tank Guns
  • Tracking Telescopes

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Surface Coatings Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects