Observational Data for the Satellite Observables Program. I. Photometry of the STO 71-2 Spacecraft.
Abstract
The use of passive optical detectors to measure sunlight scattered from spacecraft allows the inference of vehicle surface characteristics, vehicle orientation, and dynamic motion of space objects out to synchronous attitudes and beyond, subject to limitations in the target size, local sky conditions, and conditions of illumination. This report presents data collected from a gravity-gradient stabilized spacecraft whose external configuration was subjected to modification on ground command. The data were collected at two sites within the continental U.S.A. whose different latitudes give different visibility periods and different geometries. The data have been conditioned to remove atmospheric absorption and slant range effects and are presented in graphical form. A description is given of the techniques used in the data collection and conditioning, and of the geometries of observation to allow user agencies to interpret the signatures. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0906472
Entities
People
- Edmund T. Tyson
- Kenneth E. Kissell
- Richard C. Vanderburgh
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory