Title: Using photometric data to describe the behaviour of objects in geostationary orbit

Authors: Peter Sukhov; V.P. Yepishev; I.I. Motrunich; K.P. Sukhov

Addresses: Astronomical Observatory of I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University, 65014, Ukraine ' Space Research Laboratory of the Uzhgorod National University, 2a Dalekaya St., Uzhhorod, 88000, Ukraine ' Space Research Laboratory of the Uzhgorod National University, 2a Dalekaya St., Uzhhorod, 88000, Ukraine ' Ukrainian National Space Facilities Control and Test Centre, 8 Moskovska St., Kyiv, 01010, Ukraine

Abstract: One of the challenges of satellite characterisation is the ability to not only determine the spacecraft orbit, but also satellite operating status, orientation, size, bus type, and material properties. Positional observations allow us to determine and/or update orbital elements of satellites, but they do not afford an insight into the behaviour of a satellite in orbit. The article discusses the results of solving the inverse problem of astrophysics. How you can use photometric, astrometric information about a satellite, its lighting conditions, supplemented by additional information, to understand the behaviour of a satellite in orbit. The results are shown using examples of four satellites in geostationary orbit. An algorithm for calculating the photometric and dynamic characteristics of geostationary objects is provided.

Keywords: geostationary satellite; GSS; space surveillance awareness; light curve; multi-colour photometry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASSE.2025.145187

International Journal of Aerospace System Science and Engineering, 2025 Vol.1 No.2, pp.157 - 171

Received: 01 Sep 2020
Accepted: 23 Jan 2021
Published online: 25 Mar 2025 *

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