Investigation of Mirror Satellite Concept to Provide Augmented Lighting for Dim Space-Based Objects

Abstract

The imaging and inspection of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) is an increasingly important mission as space-faring nations and commercial enterprises alike seek to develop means to repair and refuel satellites, as well as de-orbit RSOs in order to reduce orbital debris. The lighting conditions for imaging and inspection are not always advantageous for a repair/refuel satellite, therefore, the use of mirror satellites to reflect solar energy is proposed to illuminate dimly lit RSOs. In terms of a general concept of mission operations, the primary solar reflector satellites would reside in sun-synchronous Earth orbits and be configurable to illuminate RSOs or secondary reflector satellites in a variety of different orbital regimes for imaging and/or inspection by repair and refueling satellites conducting proximity maneuvers near the RSO. In the 1980's and 1990's, many of the world's space-faring nations were conducting research into the use of mirror satellites for reflecting solar energy back onto Earth in order illuminate large urban areas, emergency operations, or farming to enhance photosynthesis. The Russian Znamya project began to test these ideas with two large satellites placed in orbit in the mid-1990's, though only one was successful. These mirror designs used extremely sparse apertures; however, they still are reported to have reached luminosities equivalent to several full moons and serve as an early proof of concepts for space-based mirrors. Research into the application of space-based solar reflectors has largely remained dormant for the past two decades. Recent advancements in membrane optics and large deployable structures have made solar reflector technology a feasible solution to enable modern inspection requirements. The proposed research seeks to further space-based mirror research through numerical simulation techniques to determine basic techniques and procedures for augmented lighting proximity operations. The effectiveness of mirror satellites in reflecting solar energy to target RSOs will be examined for a variety of orbital conditions for both the mirror satellites and RSOs. Factors that will be considered are the mirror satellite's effective range, magnitude and consistency of target illumination, and appropriate orbital geometries. The research will advance the ongoing development of satellite servicing and space domain awareness (SDA) missions within the near-Earth orbital domain. The analytical focus on using dedicated mirror satellites to provide sources of augmented illumination is novel and could enable unique lighting opportunities to improve the current characterization of both natural and man-made objects in the near-Earth space environment. The output of this research will be a quantification of the benefits of a space-based mirror satellite constellation for satellite servicing and SDA missions.