We present a method of determination of space debris detection possibility by the "Pi of the Sky" telescopes, based on observations made during normal service. Main feature of objects orbiting Earth is its movement on celestial sphere, comparing to the stars. This movement diminishes measured brightnesses of these objects, and in consequence influences possibilities of satellite detection. The altitude of orbit decreases, the satellite should be brighter, but at the same time possibility of detection diminishes because of higher angular velocity in the sky. As preliminary results we show an estimations of both of these effects.

Date Published: 14 September 2010
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 7745, Photonics Applications in Astronomy, Communications, Industry, and High-Energy Physics Experiments 2010, 77450G (14 September 2010); doi: 10.1117/12.872246

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7745:
Photonics Applications in Astronomy, Communications, Industry, and High-Energy Physics Experiments 2010
Ryszard S. Romaniuk, Editor(s)