Spectral Light Curve Simulation for Parameter Estimation from Space Debris

Characterisation of space debris has become a fundamental task to facilitate sustainable operations. Ground-based surveillance provides the means extract key attributes from spacecraft. However, signal inversion attempts are generally under-constrained, which is why an increase in measurement channels through multispectral observations expected benefit parameter estimation. The current approach simulating observation at Institute Technical Physics German Aerospace Centre (DLR) Stuttgart relies on monochromatic images taken POV-Ray render engine form light curve signals. Rendered scenes generated based location observer by propagating target’s orbit and rotation. This paper describes simulation spectral curves extension DLR’s Raxus Prime environment. Light reflections computed using Mitsuba2 engine, while atmospheric attenuation accounted for radiative transfer library libRadTran. A validation simulator was achieved measurements, carried out Uhlandshöhe research observatory Stuttgart. Measured synthetic data were found be agreement RMS error <1% total measured count. Further, simulated products used determine surface material composition rotation state examine aspects laser ranging non-cooperative targets.