Evaluation of Optical Magnitude of Deep Space Spacecraft

TL;DR

This paper assesses the optical magnitude of deep space spacecraft using radiation theory, demonstrating the feasibility of optical-electric technology for tracking spacecraft like Chang'e-1 in various conditions.

Contribution

It develops estimation formulas for spacecraft optical magnitude based on radiation theory and applies them to a real spacecraft example.

Findings

Calculated magnitude of Chang'e-1 in different scenarios

Demonstrated feasibility of optical-electric technology for spacecraft tracking

Provided a theoretical basis for optical magnitude estimation

Abstract

Optical-electric technology can measure the tangential position and velocity of spacecraft. To know the feasibility of the use of optical-electric technology, it is necessary to estimate the magnitude of spacecraft first. Since the spacecrafts are non-self-illumination objects, the estimation formulas of the optical magnitude of spacecraft is constructed according to the radiation theory and the extra-atmospheric radiant emittance of the Sun in the visible light wave band. Taking Chang'e-1 as an example, the magnitude of it in different situations is calculated.