Uncued Faint Object Detection in LEOand GEO

ABSTRACT: Novel LEO Search Approach: The proposed work will examine the utility and performance of a novel approach to uncued detection of faint objects in Low Earth Orbit. Our approach concentrates on the fundamental aspects of radiometry and how it impacts the detection problem. Rather than exotic computation algorithms, we have chosen to concentrate on collecting more useable photons, and making better use of the photons collected. We anticipate the approach will eventually scale to achieve 14th visual magnitude and be compatible with wide field of view collection strategies. The benefits of our technical approach are simple. We are proposing techniques that will allow the collection of more useful photons than competing approaches, and our optical architecture and processing approach will make more use of the photons collected. The benefits are obvious, uncued detection of fainter objects than competing approaches. BENEFIT: Through Phase 1 and potential Phase 2 efforts we intent to commercialize the results and ultimately build and market products to the civilian amateur and professional astronomical communities.