Detection and identification of space debris using robotic telescope of "Pi of the Sky" project
Abstract
Small aperture, wide field of view telescopes seem to be not very useful in the space debris activity. On the other hand, such facilities usually have interesting properties, like fully auto-matic, regular observation, low price, easier access to observation time, data and others. In our investigation, we analyzed properties of one of such devices, used in a frame of "Pi of the Sky" project for space debris observation. The system based on fully robotic telescope designed for observations of optical transients (OT) in autonomous mode. The main purpose of the system is searching for optical counterparts of gamma ray bursts (GRB). The prototype system is installed in the ASAS dome in Las Camapanas Observatory in Chile, "Pi of the Sky" performs various astronomical observations, also recording passages of artificial satellites and space de-bris. The main task of implemented software algorithms is identification of OTs of astrophysical origin, which have constant position in the celestial sphere. Since our investigations, signals from satellites and space debris were identified as a background signals and rejected by the algorithm. In our work, we prepared different satellite models, to calculate size and distance of satellite possible to detect by "Pi of the Sky" detectors. Comparison of simulated data, taking into account a satellite model and properties of detector, with actual observations shows that the Pi of the Sky system is able to detect some of high Earth orbit objects (including GEO objects). In the paper, we present results of our simulations, observations and data analysis dedicated for identification of space debris using "Pi of the Sky" system.
- Publication:
-
38th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010cosp...38.4258W