Assessment of Spacecraft Operational Status Using Electro-Optical Predictive Techniques

摘要

The current class of small satellite systems presents an analyst responsible for monitoring spacecraft operational status and early detection of detrimental anomalies with a broad variety of sensing and identification issues and challenges. Simple, small, cube-shaped satellites, without protruding solar panel appendages, may require enhanced preflight characterization processes to support monitoring by passive, remote, nonimaging optical sensors. This paper will describe spacecraft optical signature modeling and simulation techniques to develop sensing and identification algorithms for observing and characterizing key spacecraft features. The simulation results are based on electro-optical signatures apparent to nonimaging sensors, along with related observable features derived from multicolor and multiviewing aspect scenarios. This model and simulation analysis capability is used to support programs to monitor spacecraft performance status and identify anomalies associated with spacecraft damage/deterioration due to space debris or micrometeorite impact, thruster exhaust deposition or material aging. The development of state-of-the- art optical signature modeling tools to perform high-fidelity satellite models (such as the Air Force Academy FalconSat-5 or AFRL TacSat-3) simulations to characterize spectral radiant intensities apparent to passive, remote, nonresolved imaging sensors are described in detail. Simulations are performed for a comprehensive scenario range of natural (solar and earth) illumination and viewing conditions. Results are generated for comparing baseline, streamlined geometry models with the actual higher fidelity models that capture vehicle small-size hardware components and modifications.