Spectral Imaging of Space Objects

Applied Optimization, Inc. proposes to demonstrate feasibility of spectral imaging using a stationary filter micro-array in an existing, operational SSA system. It will make use of the excess capacity of the existing camera, without altering the optical path of the incoming light for metrics and panchromatic SOI data collection. The spectral imaging will not impact the high observational efficiency of the existing SSA system. It will have flexibility to match its spectral bands with other sensors in the SSN, allow collection of high signal-to-noise spectral imaging data over minimum time scales, and add the capability for spectral imaging SOI. Draft CONOPS will be developed to supplement the current CONOPS at an existing SSA system with spectral imaging SOI. They will be demonstrated by fabricating a filter micro-array in the Johnson BVRI spectral bands, and emulating the SSA system operation on an optical testbed that comprises COTS telescope and CCD equipment. The benefits of spectral imaging SOI will be demonstrated by collecting and analyzing data for binary stars, and for GEO satellites that have been mistagged in the past, and comparing it with panchromatic SOI. BENEFIT: Benefit: [1] Significantly improved ability for mistag resolution and differentiation of closely spaced objects using an existing SSA system with no compromise in its observational efficiency. [2] Ability to emulate CONOPS of existing SSA system using COTS for small telescope augmentation of SSA. Application: Low-cost spectral imaging using COTS systems