Satellite Photometric Error Determination

Abstract

In this paper, we present analysis of the errors associated with optical photometry used in non-resolved object characterization for the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) community. We begin with an overview of the standard astronomical techniques used to measure the brightness of spatially unresolved objects (point source photometry) in deep space. After discussing the standard astronomical techniques, we present the application of astronomical photometry for the purposes of space object characterization. Examples of filter photometry of geosynchronous satellites processed using the current techniques are shown. Next we advocate the adoption of new techniques based on in-frame photometric calibrations enabled by newly available all-sky star catalogs that contain highly accurate photometry.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 18, 2015
Accession Number
AD1001984

Entities

People

  • Phan Dao
  • Philip J. Castro
  • Stephen A. Gregory
  • Tamara E. Payne

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Brightness
  • Calibration
  • Communities
  • Data Analysis
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Image Processing
  • Measurement
  • Observatories
  • Space Objects
  • Spectral Energy Distribution
  • Standards

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects