Determination of Satellite Characteristics through Visible Light Intensity Analysis

Abstract

While many governments attempt to obtain information about satellites passing overhead using expensive equipment such as radar or large telescopes, many characteristics of a satellite, its orbit, and possible mission type can be inferred through analysis of its light intensity variations as it passes overhead. Using off-the-shelf equipment, a satellite can be tracked and recorded with a camera during visible sightings. Images are normalized based on range, the amount of atmosphere the light travels through, and the percentage of satellite illumination. A plot of the intensity versus time is created from these images. Based on patterns displayed by the light intensity graph, a satellite s cross-sectional ratio, its orientation to the earth, and its movement in the orbit can be determined. This inexpensive and easily duplicated process is done with only light intensity analysis. The satellite itself need not actually be resolved in the images.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA574508

Entities

People

  • Michael P. Jones
  • Neil Thomas
  • Samuel R. Harms
  • Scott R. Dahlke
  • Shane Bruski

Organizations

  • United States Air Force Academy

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Brightness
  • Cameras
  • Data Analysis
  • Equations
  • Illumination
  • Intensity
  • Observation
  • Observers
  • Reconnaissance Satellites
  • Small Satellites
  • Spacecraft
  • United States
  • United States Air Force Academy
  • Visible Spectra

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites