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

Kevin Pohl; Jonathan Black; Jonathan Pitt; Edward Colbert

doi:10.1117/12.2557901

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

Kevin Pohl, Jonathan Black, Jonathan Pitt, Edward Colbert

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL)

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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.

Original language	English (US)
Title of host publication	Polarization
Subtitle of host publication	Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XIV
Editors	David B. Chenault, Dennis H. Goldstein
Publisher	SPIE
ISBN (Electronic)	9781510636019
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2557901
State	Published - 2020
Event	Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XIV 2020 - None, United States Duration: Apr 27 2020 → May 8 2020

Publication series

Name	Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume	11412
ISSN (Print)	0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)	1996-756X

Conference

Conference	Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XIV 2020
Country/Territory	United States
City	None
Period	4/27/20 → 5/8/20

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Condensed Matter Physics
Computer Science Applications
Applied Mathematics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Access to Document

10.1117/12.2557901

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Pohl, K., Black, J., Pitt, J., & Colbert, E. (2020). Low earth orbit space object differentiation using long-wave infrared polarimetry. In D. B. Chenault, & D. H. Goldstein (Eds.), Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XIV Article 2557901 (Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering; Vol. 11412). SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2557901

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title = "Low earth orbit space object differentiation using long-wave infrared polarimetry",

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.",

author = "Kevin Pohl and Jonathan Black and Jonathan Pitt and Edward Colbert",

year = "2020",

doi = "10.1117/12.2557901",

language = "English (US)",

series = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",

publisher = "SPIE",

editor = "Chenault, {David B.} and Goldstein, {Dennis H.}",

booktitle = "Polarization",

address = "United States",

}

Pohl, K, Black, J, Pitt, J & Colbert, E 2020, Low earth orbit space object differentiation using long-wave infrared polarimetry. in DB Chenault & DH Goldstein (eds), Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XIV., 2557901, Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, vol. 11412, SPIE, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XIV 2020, None, United States, 4/27/20. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2557901

Low earth orbit space object differentiation using long-wave infrared polarimetry. / Pohl, Kevin; Black, Jonathan; Pitt, Jonathan et al.
Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XIV. ed. / David B. Chenault; Dennis H. Goldstein. SPIE, 2020. 2557901 (Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering; Vol. 11412).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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

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