Low Earth orbit space object differentiation using long-wave infrared polarimetry

Kevin Pohl; Jonathan Black; Jonathan Pitt; Edward Colbert

doi:10.1117/12.2557901

27 April 2020 Low Earth orbit space object differentiation using long-wave infrared polarimetry

Kevin Pohl, Jonathan Black, Jonathan Pitt, Edward Colbert

Proceedings Volume 11412, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XIV; 1141206 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2557901
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2020, Online Only

Abstract

Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) polarimetric measurements can be used to characterize space objects under certain conditions. Both visible and LWIR polarimetry have been demonstrated extensively in terrestrial applications for detection and characterization of objects of interest. Visible polarimetry has also been demonstrated for space object detection. The objective of the current research is to use a software model to determine how well an object can be detected in low Earth orbit (LEO) with LWIR polarimetry using a modest aperture, diffraction-limited telescope (70cm aperture), and whether it can be differentiated from another object of different composition. Most targets at this range and wavelength are effectively point sources with an aggregate value for their degree of linear polarization, somewhat dependent on target rotation with respect to the sensor. This approach represents a step forward in optical systems for space situational awareness in that it can be used both day and night, regardless of external target illumination.

Citation Download Citation

Kevin Pohl, Jonathan Black, Jonathan Pitt, and Edward Colbert "Low Earth orbit space object differentiation using long-wave infrared polarimetry", Proc. SPIE 11412, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XIV, 1141206 (27 April 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2557901

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