Near Earth Space Object Detection Utilizing Parallax as Multi-Hypothesis Test Criterion
Abstract
This thesis explores a reliable, ground-based technique to quickly determine the altitude of a RSO from a single or limited set of observations; implementation of such sensors into the SSN would mitigate GEO SSA performance gaps. The research entails a method to distinguish between the point spread function (PSF) observed by a star and the PSF observed from an RSO using Multi-Hypothesis Testing with parallax as a test criterion. Parallax is the effect that an observed object will appear to shift when viewed from different positions. This effect is explored by generating PSFs from telescope observations of space objects at different baselines. The research has shown the PSF of an RSO can be distinguished from that of a star using single, simultaneous observations from reference and parallax sensing telescopes. This thesis validates these techniques with both simulations and with experimental data from the SST and Naval Observatory sensors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1056220
Entities
People
- Joseph C Tompkins
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology