Three-Dimensional Imaging and Satellite Attitude Estimation Using Pulse Laser Illumination and a Remote Ultra-Low Light Imaging (RULLI) Sensor for Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

Abstract : The remarkable temporal resolution of the Remote Ultra-Low Light Imaging (RULLI) sensor developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory has led to interest in exploiting this capability to perform 3-D imaging of satellites for improved Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Such a system would require a pulsed laser illuminator combined with an adaptive optics system. We have developed a simulation of such a system and present a discussion of the model and preliminary results. These results show that 3-D imaging is a potentially powerful tool for understanding the orientation and configuration of satellites.