Space Object Tracking from the Robotic Optical Observatory at RMIT University
Abstract
One of the key challenges facing researchers in space situational awareness (SSA) is the lack of available data to develop and test solutions for various SSA objectives, including orbit determination, track correlation, object characterization, and sensor management. Institutions with access to telescope and radar data have a distinct advantage in pursuing these topics, enabling them to produce meaningful research while also facilitating student development and community outreach.
The recently constructed Robotic Optical Observatory (ROO) at RMIT University is a joint project between the University of Minnesota (UMN), University of Arizona (UA), and RMIT. Located 20km outside of Melbourne, Australia, the 0.4m telescope is primarily intended for SSA research, in particular to gather astrometric and photometric data for objects in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). By providing complementary data to sensors in North America operated by UA and UMN, the ROO telescope enables collaborative research on space objects across the GEO belt. This paper provides an overview of the observatory, including technical specifications of the optical system and mount, considerations and steps taken towards autonomous operation, and initial results from analysis of light curves, orbit determination, and track correlation. The paper further outlines next steps and future research applications to be undertaken with the telescope.- Publication:
-
The Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference
- Pub Date:
- September 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018amos.confE..42G
- Keywords:
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- Telescope;
- GEO;
- light curves;
- orbit determination;
- track correlation