Intelligent characterisation of space objects with hyperspectral imaging. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vasile, Massimiliano; Walker, Lewis; Dunphy, R. David; Zabalza, Jaime; Murray, Paul; Marshall, Stephen; Savitski, Vasili
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 203(2023)
• Page Start: 510
• Page End: 534
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Hyperspectral imaging -- Machine learning -- Space debris -- Attitude motion; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.11.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents some initial results on the use of hyperspectral imaging technology and machine learning to characterise the surface composition of space objects and reconstruct their attitude motion. The paper provides a preliminary demonstration that hyperspectral and multispectral analysis of the light absorbed, emitted and reflected by space objects can be used to identify, with some degree of accuracy, the materials composing their surface. The paper introduces a high-fidelity simulation model, developed to test this concept, and a validation of the model against experimental tests in a laboratory environment. The paper shows how to unmix the spectra to provide an estimation of the materials composing the surface facing the sensor. A machine learning approach is then proposed to reconstruct the attitude motion from the time series of spectra. Highlights: Demonstration of characterisation of space object composition using hyperspectral technology. Demonstration of attitude motion reconstruction from spectra with machine learning. High-fidelity model of the spectra received by a sensor. Validation of the simulation model in a laboratory environment.