ODERACS preflight optical calibration

Ronald A. Madler; Robert D. Culp; Timothy D. Maclay

doi:10.1117/12.156559

15 September 1993 ODERACS preflight optical calibration

Ronald A. Madler, Robert D. Culp, Timothy D. Maclay

Proceedings Volume 1951, Space Debris Detection and Mitigation; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.156559
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Detection and measurement of small space debris objects are vital to verify the validity of debris models for the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment. Calibration of optical instruments is necessary so that reliable estimates of the size and albedo of man-made orbiting objects can be found. The Orbital Debris Radar Calibration Spheres (ODERACS) project is being conducted by NASA and the DoD to calibrate both radar and optical tracking facilities for small objects. This paper discusses the pre-flight optical calibration of the spheres. The purpose of this study is to determine the spectral reflectivity, scattering characteristics and albedo for the visible wavelength region. The measurements are performed by illuminating the flight spheres with a collimated beam of light, and measuring the reflected visible light over possible phase angles. This allows one to estimate the specular and scattering characteristics as well as the albedo. Tests were conducted on several flight and test metal spheres with varying diameters and surface characteristics. The polished metal spheres are shown to be very good specular reflectors, while the diffuse surfaces exhibit both specular and scattering reflection characteristics.

Citation Download Citation

Ronald A. Madler, Robert D. Culp, and Timothy D. Maclay "ODERACS preflight optical calibration", Proc. SPIE 1951, Space Debris Detection and Mitigation, (15 September 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.156559

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available