Overview of signal processing techniques for infrared /IR/ deep space surveillance

Signal processing algorithms and data processing considerations common to deep space surveillance systems are presented. Modeling considerations of the background noise sources, notably IR stars, are discussed. Signal processing modules including CCD noise suppression, waveform reconstruction from sampled and quantized data, peak detection, thresholding, spatial centroiding, frame-to-frame association, detection, tracking, and identification are outlined. Simulation results for certain focal plane layouts are shown to illustrate the necessity and complexity of these algorithms.