Determination of Spin Axis Orientation of Geosynchronous Objects Using Space-Based Sensors: An Initial Feasibility Investigation

Details Determination of Spin Axis Orientation of Geosynchronous Objects Using Space-Based Sensors: An Initial Feasibility Investigation Determination of Spin Axis Orientation of Geosynchronous Objects Using Space-Based Sensors: An Initial Feasibility Investigation

Sep 2010

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010amos.confe..72w&link_type=abstract

Proceedings of the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, held in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, September

Computer Science

Scientific paper

The spin axis of a rotating satellite can be determined by studying the rate of change of the observed spin rate as a function of the satellite’s position in its orbit. The observed spin rate change is largest when the rate of change of the sun-satellite-observer angle is largest. Application of this method is problematic for deep-space objects due to the slow rate of change of this angle, however some assumptions can be made to make the problem tractable. Alternatively, since space-based sensors in Low Earth Orbit are moving much faster than ground-based sensors, use of such a sensor has the potential to expand the number of objects for which the spin axis can be determined. This paper explores both approaches. First, a ground-based - and assumption-based - method is used to determine the spin state of rocket bodies in deep-space. This is followed by a comparison of the rate of change of the spin rate that would be observed by both a ground-based and a space-based sensor. This comparison both illuminates the issues with using a ground-based sensor, and the potential of a space-based sensor. The use of the upcoming NEOSSat spacecraft - to be launched in Q2 2011 - to exploit this potential is explored.

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