Session
Pre-Conference Workshop Session VII: Instruments/Science II
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR, wavelength > 8 um) polarimetric measurements can be used to characterize space objects. A simulation of a sensor for collection of LWIR polarimetric signatures of space objects has been assembled using two software packages: MATLAB, and FRED. A statistical approach developed for unresolved visible light polarimetric observations of GEO satellites has been adapted for unresolved LWIR polarimetric observations of LEO satellites, showing both that well-known objects can be recognized and anomalies--for example, a major change in shape due to the presence in the scene of another object--can be detected. Though the satellites are effectively point sources, the aggregate polarization values across many measurements can be used to differentiate objects of different shape and material composition.
Modeling and Simulation of a Long-Wave Infrared Polarimetric Sensor for Space Object Detection and Characterization
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR, wavelength > 8 um) polarimetric measurements can be used to characterize space objects. A simulation of a sensor for collection of LWIR polarimetric signatures of space objects has been assembled using two software packages: MATLAB, and FRED. A statistical approach developed for unresolved visible light polarimetric observations of GEO satellites has been adapted for unresolved LWIR polarimetric observations of LEO satellites, showing both that well-known objects can be recognized and anomalies--for example, a major change in shape due to the presence in the scene of another object--can be detected. Though the satellites are effectively point sources, the aggregate polarization values across many measurements can be used to differentiate objects of different shape and material composition.
