Optical Survey of Geosynchronous Satellite

T Kubo-oka, T Fuse, H Kunimori - 33rd AIAA International …, 2015 - arc.aiaa.org
T Kubo-oka, T Fuse, H Kunimori
33rd AIAA International Communications Satellite Systems Conference and …, 2015arc.aiaa.org
Optical observation is one of the most precise method for orbit determination of
geosynchronous satellites. In Kashima Space Research Center of NICT, geosynchronous
satellites has been monitored since 1998. Observation data tell us about the satellite
population in the" overcrowded" orbit, and provide satellite orbit determinations. In the first
three years, we had observed not only geosynchronous satellites but also space debris
around GEO. However, due to the" light pollution" in Kashima, it was difficult to detect faint …
Optical observation is one of the most precise method for orbit determination of geosynchronous satellites. In Kashima Space Research Center of NICT, geosynchronous satellites has been monitored since 1998. Observation data tell us about the satellite population in the" overcrowded" orbit, and provide satellite orbit determinations. In the first three years, we had observed not only geosynchronous satellites but also space debris around GEO. However, due to the" light pollution" in Kashima, it was difficult to detect faint (small) objects such as space debris. Moreover, demand for optical observation of" active geosynchronous satellites" has been risen year by year. Therefore, we decided to observe mainly" active satellites" after 2000.
AIAA Aerospace Research Center