Super-Resolution of Long-Wave Infra-Red Imagery for Space Object Identification

摘要

The objectives of this research are motivated by the increased number of manmade satellites in orbit about the earth. Surveillance and monitoring of these satellites is a growing mission of the U.S. Air Force. Ground-based telescopes that operate in the visible and near infrared spectrum are the primary system for this surveillance. Thermal infrared images of such satellites provide additional intelligence on the status and capabilities of satellites. However, the resolution of thermal (long-wave) images is poorer, due to the longer wavelengths. This research project seeks to demonstrate the processing of such images to increase the object resolution beyond the diffraction-limited detail implied by the telescope aperture and operating wavelength. Successful achievement of such processing will provide greater mission utility without additional costly telescope upgrades.