Effective Detection of Low-luminosity GEO Objects Using Population and Motion Predictions
Abstract
This study applies the orbital debris modeling techniques to devise an effective search strategy applicable for breakup fragments in the geostationary region. The orbital debris modeling describes debris generation and orbit propagation, so that we can effectively conduct predictive analyses of space objects that include characterizing, tracking and predicting the behavior of individual and groups of space objects. Therefore, the techniques enable us to predict population of debris originated from a specific breakup to effectively specify when, where and how we should conduct search surveys using ground-based telescopes. The techniques also enables us to predict two-dimensional motion of debris in successive images taken. The motion prediction can effectively and precisely specify how we should process successive images of objects to be detected. The motion prediction also can clearly distinguish between fragments originated from the target breakup and others. Therefore, the effectiveness of the proposed search strategy is superior to the existing all-sky survey not only in terms of the detection rate but also in terms of the efficiency on origin identification. This report demonstrates characterization of the known US Titan IIIC Transtage explosion in February 1992 using NASA standard breakup model, and the applicability of proposed strategy to a breakup event, which may be uncertain in time within several weeks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA590261
Entities
People
- Yukihito Kitazawa
Organizations
- IHI Corporation