It is currently possible for space debris to remain undetected in close proximity to satellites. Current detection methods are adept at locating a single object in space, as well as two objects that are greatly separated, but have difficulty finding a second object that is nearby. The problem is exacerbated if the second object appears much dimmer than the first object. The method proposed in this paper would work with existing methods as an additional processing step that would process areas of astronomical images around places where objects are detected. In this case the proposed algorithm is designed to look at a pixel and determine how bright an object would be if there were an object there, then applies a binary hypothesis test to determine if an object is present. In theory, this will have the greatest advantage over existing methods when the objects are very close together or the second object is very dim. The algorithm has been tested on both simulated data and on a laboratory level test and improved the probability of detection by up to 300%.
Optical detection of closely spaced sources for improved space situational awareness
Sensors and Systems for Space Applications IX ; 2016 ; Baltimore,Maryland,United States
Proc. SPIE ; 9838
2016-05-13
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Optical detection of closely spaced sources for improved space situational awareness [9838-4]
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