Accession Number:

ADA616742

Title:

A New Approach to Computing Information in Measurements of Non-Resolved Space Objects by the Falcon Telescope Network

Descriptive Note:

Conference paper

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE ACADEMY COLORADO SPRINGS CO DEPT OF PHYSICS

Personal Author(s):

• Hope, Douglas A.

Report Date:

2014-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

9.0

Abstract:

Space situational awareness SSA depends on detection, tracking and characterization of resident space objects. One such system with this capability that is coming online is the Falcon Telescope Network, a network of telescopes dispersed across the state of Colorado as well as around the world. An important capability of the network will be simultaneous observations of a target from multiple sites. Telescopes located in Colorado will enable a study of fast moving low-earth-orbiting targets, while stations around the world will enable study of higher orbiting targets such as those in geosynchronous orbits. Understanding how to exploit this capability to complete tasks related to SSA is analyzed using the framework of statistical information theory. Specific tasks considered include estimating the surface material composition of targets and their intrinsic spin rate. The amount of information in the measurements is computed using simulations of target observations from single and multiple sites in the network. How this approach will lead to optimal use of the network when performing these SSA tasks is presented.

Descriptors:

• *SPACE OBJECTS
• INFORMATION THEORY
• NETWORKS
• SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
• TELESCOPES
• TRACKING

Subject Categories:

• Astronomy

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE