Precise Orbit Determination Technology

Using the 35 cm reflector telescope at the Kashima Space Technology Center, research and development has been conducted on optical observations of artificial satellites orbiting near the geostationary orbit, orbit determination, and detection of laser beams emitted by optical communication satellites in low earth orbit.

The telescope is equipped with a 16-megapixel cooled CCD camera with a shutter synchronized to a GPS clock for precise control of the start and end time of exposure. This system can detect objects larger than 1 meter near the geostationary orbit which is above 36,000 km form the equator. It can also observe unused geostationary satellites as they reflect sunlight. By comparing relative positions of satellites and stars in the background with star catalogue data, it is possible to measure the direction of satellites (azimuth and elevation) with an accuracy of 1/1000 of a degree.