Super-Resolution of Long-Wave Infra-Red Imagery for Space Object Identification

Abstract

The objectives of this research are motivated by the increased number of manmade satellites in orbit about the earth. Surveillance and monitoring of these satellites is a growing mission of the U.S. Air Force. Ground-based telescopes that operate in the visible and near infrared spectrum are the primary system for this surveillance. Thermal infrared images of such satellites provide additional intelligence on the status and capabilities of satellites. However, the resolution of thermal (long-wave) images is poorer, due to the longer wavelengths. This research project seeks to demonstrate the processing of such images to increase the object resolution beyond the diffraction-limited detail implied by the telescope aperture and operating wavelength. Successful achievement of such processing will provide greater mission utility without additional costly telescope upgrades.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA364286

Entities

People

  • Bobby R. Hunt

Organizations

  • University of Arizona

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Personnel
  • Algorithms
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheric Motion
  • Diffraction
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Engineering
  • Frequency
  • Ground Based
  • Infrared Images
  • Infrared Spectra
  • Space Objects
  • Spectra
  • Students
  • Surveillance

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects