Space-based Data Research Articles

Initial Orbit Determination Utilizing Solution Group Optimization

This paper investigates the use of space-based tracking data to determine the initial orbit of low-earth orbit (LEO) target satellites. A series of tracking data without distance information of a LEO target satellite can be provided by a space-based imaging observer and a target detection process. First, Gauss’ method is applied to a series of a target satellite's tracking data to estimate its state vectors over the observation time span. Due to different input sets and the multiple roots problem of Gauss’ method, a large number of state vector solutions are obtained, and a solution group of the estimated results is proposed. Second, the state vector solutions are grouped according to the multiple roots characteristic of Gauss’ method and then smoothed and fitted based on the motion continuity in each group. Finally, each fitted solution is used to estimate the elements of one orbit, and an optimized result is selected from all the orbit element solutions by mapping and comparing with the original tracking data. Simulation experiments demonstrate the efficacy of our method. Within a short observation time span, the proposed algorithm can obtain an optimized solution for the initial orbit elements of a target satellite.

Spatial Variability in Length of Growing Period Using Meteorological and Space-based Data in Nagpur District of Maharashtra

The LGP was assessed using meteorological data (1988-2018) and MODIS-based NDVI data between 2000 to 2018. The meteorological data indicated that highest rainfall (1569 mm) was observed in Nagpur-Rural tehsil and the lowest rainfall was recorded in Narkhed tehsil (982 mm). Highest PET was observed in Hingna tehsil (1758 mm) and the lowest PET was recorded in Nagpur-Rural tehsil (1656 mm). The LGP map of Nagpur district generated using meteorological data showed that LGP ranged from 139 to 155 days. The pixel-wise LGP data computed using MODIS NDVI time series data has been reclassified in to 5 classes viz., 90-120, 120-150, 150-180, 180-210 and 210-240 days in which LGP class150-180 days occupied maximum area (40.7%) followed by 210-240 days (17.7%), 180-210 days (15.4%), 120-150 days (14.8%), whereas, the lowest area (11.8%) was under LGP class 90-120 days. LGP found in different landforms indicated that maximum LGP was in lower pediplains (46.4%) followed by pediments (21.7%) and plateau (11.1%). Lower LGP was observed in upper pediplains (7.1%), hills (5.4%), pediplain (hillside) (2.5%), scarp slope (1.9%), valley (1.6%) and gully land (0.9%). LGP with different land use/land cover indicate that maximum LGP was under agriculture (69.5%) followed by forest (23.3%) and scrubland (7.1%). Out of the 5 classes of LGP, 93.7 per cent of total agricultural area has LGP ranging from 120-240 days.

A Special Issue on Hyperspectral Imaging [From the Guest Editors

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for geoscience remote sensing and Earth observation has been around since the mid-1980s. For many years, it was the purview of research laboratories and proof-of-concept satellite missions. Hundreds of research articles have been published exploring algorithms for analysis and demonstrating applications across many Earth observational fields of interest. Most have focused on a relatively small group of publicly available data sets due to the high cost of sensor operation and collection of ground reference data necessary for algorithm and product evaluation. More recently, as the cost of focal planes and sensor technology has decreased, together with the emergence of inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and Cube- Sats/smallSats in space access, the availability of hyperspectral imagery is poised to grow dramatically. Several airborne and spaceborne systems have been deployed or are being planned. Commercial remote sensing and image processing software systems provide more support and extended functionality for such data, while the practical use of hyperspectral data in both commercial and scientific applications has increased. The community now has access to relatively low-cost UAV systems and data and will soon see more routine availability of space-based HSI data. This special issue of IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Magazine on HSI was put together based on the recognition that the field is on the cusp of expanded data availability. While formerly the domain of a relatively small group of specialists, it is anticipated HSI data will soon become available to a wider range of scientists and data users. This special issue was compiled to bring together a comprehensive look at the characteristics, phenomenology, algorithms, and applications as a resource for practitioners and students who wish to gain familiarity with the field.

Comparative Analyses of Vertical Structure of Deep Convective Clouds Retrieved from Satellites and Ground-Based Radars at Naqu over the Tibetan Plateau

In order to improve understanding of deep convective clouds over the Tibetan Plateau, characteristics of vertical structure of a deep strong convective cloud over Naqu station and a deep weak convective cloud approximately 100 km to the west of Naqu station, which occurred over 1300–1600 Beijing Time (BT) 9 July 2014 during the Third Tibetan Plateau Atmospheric Science Experiment (TIPEX-III), are analyzed, based on multi-source satellite data from TRMM, CloudSat, and Aqua, and radar data from ground-based vertically pointing radars (C-band frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar and KA-band millimeter wave cloud radar). The results are as follows. (1) The horizontal scales of both the deep strong and deep weak convective clouds were small (10–20 km), and their tops were high [15–16 km above sea level (ASL)]. Across the level of 0°C isotherm in the deep strong convective cloud, the reflectivity increased rapidly, suggesting that the melting process of solid precipitation particles through the 0°C level played an important role. A bright band located at 5.5 km ASL (i.e., 1 km above ground level) appeared during the period of convection weakening. (2) The reflectivity values from TRMM precipitation radar below 11 km were found to be overestimated compared to those derived from the C-band frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar. (3) Deep convective clouds were mainly ice clouds, and there were rich small ice particles above 10 km, while few large ice particles were found below 10 km. The microphysical processes of deep strong and deep weak convective clouds mainly included mixed-phase process and glaciated process, and the mixed-phase process can be divided into two types: one was the rimming process below the level of –25℃ (deep strong convective cloud) or –29℃ (deep weak convective cloud) and the other was aggregation and deposition process above that level. The latter process was accompanied with fast increase in ice particle effective radius. The above evidence from space-based and ground-based observational data further clarify the characteristics of vertical structure of deep convective clouds over the Tibetan Plateau, and provide a basis for the evaluation of simulation results of deep convective clouds by cloud models.

Properties of 249 δ Scuti Variable Star Candidates Observed During the NASA K2 Mission

In the second phase of the NASA Kepler mission (K2), the Kepler spacecraft observed fields along the ecliptic plane for about 80 days each to search for planetary transits and monitor stellar variability. We analyzed the light curves of thousands of main-sequence stars observed as part of the Kepler Guest Observer program. Here we summarize the statistics of discovery and properties of the pulsation amplitude spectra for 249 delta Scuti variable stars or candidates observed during K2 Campaigns 4 through 17. delta Scuti variables are core or shell-hydrogen burning stars about twice as massive as the Sun, pulsating in many simultaneous radial and non-radial modes, with periods of about two hours. The growing collection of long time-series high signal-to-noise photometric data from space missions such as Kepler, combined with constraints from ground and space-based data, will be useful to constrain the interior structure of these types of variables. We hope that this list of delta Sct candidates observed by Kepler may be useful as a starting point for identifying promising targets for asteroseismic investigations.

Relative space-based GIS data model to analyze the group dynamics of moving objects

The relative motion of moving objects is an essential research topic in geographical information science (GIScience), which supports the innovation of geodatabases, spatial indexing, and geospatial services. This analysis is very popular in the domains of urban governance, transportation engineering, logistics and geospatial information services for individuals or industrials. Importantly, data models of moving objects are one of the most crucial approaches to support the analysis for dynamic relative motion between moving objects, even in the age of big data and cloud computing. Traditional geographic information systems (GIS) usually organize moving objects as point objects in absolute coordinated space. The derivation of relative motions among moving objects is not efficient because of the additional geo-computation of transformation between absolute space and relative space. Therefore, current GISs require an innovative approach to directly store, analyze and interpret the relative relationships of moving objects to support their efficient analysis. This paper proposes a relative space-based GIS data model of moving objects (RSMO) to construct, operate and analyze moving objects’ relationships and introduces two algorithms (relationship querying and relative relationship dynamic pattern matching) to derive and analyze the dynamic relationships of moving objects. Three scenarios (epidemic spreading, tracker finding, and motion-trend derivation of nearby crowds) are implemented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed model. The experimental results indicates the execution times of the proposed model are approximately 5–50% those of the absolute GIS method for the same function of these three scenarios. It’s better computational performance of the proposed model when analyzing the relative relationships of moving objects than the absolute methods in a famous commercial GIS software based on this experimental results. The proposed approach fills the gap of traditional GIS and shows promise for relative space-based geo-computation, analysis and service.

Transit-period search from single-event space-based data: the role of wide-field surveys

We investigate the optimization of dataset weighting in searching for the orbital period of transiting planets when high-precision space-based data with a single transit event are combined with (relatively) low-precision ground-based (wide-field) data. The optimization stems from the lack of multiple events in the high-precision data and the likely presence of such events in the low-precision data. With noise minimization, we combined two types of frequency spectra: (i) spectra that use two fixed transit parameters (moment of the center of the transit and duration of the event) derived from the space data alone; (ii) spectra that result from the traditional weighted box signal search with optimized transit parameters for each trial period. We used many mock signals to test the detection power of the method. Marginal or no detections in the ground-based data may lead to secure detections in the combined data with the above weighting. Depending on the coverage and quality of the ground-based data, transit depths of ~0.05% and periods up to ~100 days are accessible by the suggested optimum combination of the data.

Algorithms for space-based anomaly detection of GEO objects

Beyond catalog maintenance, a sun-synchronous sensor can provide valuable information about GEO objects’ characteristics. Algorithms were designed for attitude anomaly detection of GEO satellites and spin axis determination for tumbling objects using space-based non-resolved optical data. The spin axis orientation of a tumbling GEO object can be estimated by analyzing its observed tumble rate variations with an orbiting sensor. Simulated space-based observations using a GEO satellite model, with variable spin rates and axial tilt angles, have suggested that the algorithms are effective at estimating a GEO satellite’s spin rates and orientation.

The Instrument Design of the DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS).

Whether for identification and characterization of materials or for monitoring of the environment, space-based hyperspectral instruments are very useful. Hyperspectral instruments measure several dozens up to hundreds of spectral bands. These data help to reconstruct the spectral properties like reflectance or emission of Earth surface or the absorption of the atmosphere, and to identify constituents on land, water, and in the atmosphere. There are a lot of possible applications, from vegetation and water quality up to greenhouse gas monitoring. But the actual number of hyperspectral space-based missions or hyperspectral space-based data is limited. This will be changed in the next years by different missions. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) is one of the new currently existing space-based hyperspectral instruments, launched in 2018 and ready to reduce the gap of space-born hyperspectral data. The instrument is operating onboard the International Space Station, using the Multi-User System for Earth Sensing (MUSES) platform. The instrument has 235 spectral bands in the wavelength range from visible (400 nm) to near-infrared (1000 nm), which results in a 2.5 nm spectral sampling distance and a ground sampling distance of 30 m from 400 km orbit of the International Space Station. In this article, the design of the instrument will be described.

Longitudinal variability of the equatorial counter electrojet during the solar cycle 24

Ground and space-based geomagnetic data were used in the investigation of the longitudinal, seasonal and lunar phase dependence of the equatorial counter electrojet (CEJ) occurrence in the Peruvian, Brazilian, African, Indian and Philippine sectors during geomagnetically quiet days from the solar cycle 24 (2008 to 2018). We found that CEJ events occur more frequently during the morning (MCEJ) than in the afternoon (ACEJ). The highest MCEJ and ACEJ occurrence rates were observed for the Brazilian sector. Distinct seasonal dependence was found for each longitudinal sector under investigation. The lunar phase dependence was determined for the first time for the Philippine sector (longitude 125°E), and it was shown to be less pronounced than in the Peruvian, Brazilian and African sectors. We demonstrate that differences in CEJ rates derived from ground-based and satellite data can arise from the longitudinal separation between low-latitude and equatorial stations that are used to determine the signal and its consequent time delay in their sunrise/sunset times at ionospheric heights.

Space-Based Data Centres: A Paradigm for Data Processing and Scientific Investigations

Terrestrial data centres have played and continue to play important role in data processing and usage for different applications. With increasing demand for data storage, access speed and implementation, reliance on further hosting of terrestrial data centres becomes problematic in densely populated regions. This leads to exploring space as hosting centres, and when properly configured, would enable cognitive computing for different applications, as well as allowing satellite networks integration. In this paper, the design of this space entity, the description of how it is integrated in satellite networks and additional applications, and the comparative cost of terrestrial and space siting of data centres is discussed. It also formulates the opportunity cost of using land for hosting data centres using a multi-factor exponential cost model and latency of space applications. Simulation shows that the use of space-based data centres (SBDC) reduces land costs for other purposes by a minimum and maximum of 3.3% and 66.3% on average, respectively. The use of SBDC also reduces the latency by 45.7% on average. The paper also implies that the use of SBDC may contribute to searching for extra-terrestrial intelligence and may trigger alien intelligence exhibition on the basis of alien external excitation hypothesis.

Re-entry blackout elimination and communication performance analysis based on laser-plasma-induced X-ray emission

X-ray communication (XCOM) offers important advantages to both civilian and military space projects. Rapid advance in high-intensity laser interaction with plasma has become a driving force for providing a new X-ray carrier generation based on the laser wakefield acceleration scheme. XCOM has the potential to eliminate RF shielding on the ground and communicate with the re-entry supersonic spacecraft during blackout occurrence. In this process, the plasma sheath is formed around the surface due to air compression and ablation, which blocks the traditional communication signals. In this paper, the hazardous substance was proactively exploited and coupled with the modulated laser. Particle-In-Cell simulation results indicate the ultra-bright controllable X-ray emission with a small angular divergence (0.04 rad×0.03 rad), a tunable X-ray energy range (4.60 keV to 321.48 keV), and high photon yields. Additionally, the data rate of the communication via the X-ray carrier during re-entry was estimated up to ∼20.7 Mbps by considering the transmission model, encoding schemes and photon information efficiency. Combined with an existing or developing X-ray detection technique, this regime can eliminate re-entry blackout and also provide a novel modulated X-ray source to acquire high-rate, low transmit power, and highly secure space-based data links.

Asteroseismology of the Hyades red giant and planet host ϵ Tauri

Context. Asteroseismic analysis of solar-like stars allows us to determine physical parameters such as stellar mass, with a higher precision compared to most other methods. Even in a well-studied cluster such as the Hyades, the masses of the red giant stars are not well known, and previous mass estimates are based on model calculations (isochrones). The four known red giants in the Hyades are assumed to be clump (core-helium-burning) stars based on their positions in colour-magnitude diagrams, however asteroseismology offers an opportunity to test this assumption. Aims. Using asteroseismic techniques combined with other methods, we aim to derive physical parameters and the evolutionary stage for the planet hosting star ϵ Tau, which is one of the four red giants located in the Hyades. Methods. We analysed time-series data from both ground and space to perform the asteroseismic analysis. By combining high signal-to-noise radial-velocity data from the ground-based SONG network with continuous space-based data from the revised Kepler mission K2, we derive and characterize 27 individual oscillation modes for ϵ Tau, along with global oscillation parameters such as the large frequency separation Δν and the ratio between the amplitude of the oscillations measured in radial velocity and intensity as a function of frequency. The latter has been measured previously for only two stars, the Sun and Procyon. Combining the seismic analysis with interferometric and spectroscopic measurements, we derive physical parameters for ϵ Tau, and discuss its evolutionary status. Results. Along with other physical parameters, we derive an asteroseismic mass for ϵ Tau of M = 2.458 ± 0.073 M⊙, which is slightly lower than previous estimates, and which leads to a revised minimum mass of the planetary companion. Noting that the SONG and K2 data are non-simultaneous, we estimate the amplitude ratio between intensity and radial velocity to be 42.2 ± 2.3 ppm m−1 s, which is higher than expected from scaling relations.

PLCK G165.7+67.0: Analysis of a Massive Lensing Cluster in a Hubble Space Telescope Census of Submillimeter Giant Arcs Selected Using Planck/Herschel

Abstract We present Hubble Space Telescope WFC3-IR imaging in the fields of six apparently bright dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) at z = 2–4 identified by their rest-frame far-infrared colors using the Planck and Herschel space facilities. We detect near-infrared counterparts for all six submillimeter sources, allowing us to undertake strong-lensing analyses. One field in particular stands out for its prominent giant arcs, PLCK G165.7+67.0 (G165). After combining the color and morphological information, we identify 11 sets of image multiplicities in this one field. We construct a strong-lensing model constrained by this lensing evidence, which uncovers a bimodal spatial mass distribution, and from which we measure a mass of (2.6 ± 0.11) × 1014 M ⊙ within ∼250 kpc. The bright (S 350 ≈ 750 mJy) DSFG appears as two images: a giant arc with a spatial extent of that is merging with the critical curve, and a lower-magnification counterimage that is detected in our new longer-wavelength ground- and space-based imaging data. Using our ground-based spectroscopy, we calculate a dynamical mass of M ⊙ to the same fixed radius, although this value may be inflated relative to the true value if the velocity distribution is enhanced in the line-of-sight direction. We suggest that the bimodal mass taken in combination with the weak X-ray flux and low SZ decrement may be explained as a pre-merger for which the intracluster gas is diluted along the line of sight, while the integrated surface mass density is supercritical to strong-lensing effects.

Analysis of Orbit Accuracy for Non-cooperative Earth-Orbiting Objects

Abstract The atmospheric resistance and solar radiation pressure are the main sources of non-gravitational perturbations in orbit determination and prediction of non-cooperative earth-orbiting objects. The calculation of both perturbation accelerations involves the satellite’s surface-mass ratio. Another factor affecting the accuracy of orbit determination and prediction is the sparse observation. In this paper, we examine the sensitivity of orbit prediction accuracy and orbit decay rate relative to surface-mass ratio. The influence of the space-based angle data to orbit determination was also analyzed. The results show that the error of orbit prediction is multiplied by the change of surface–mass ratio. The orbital error determined by using 7-minutes single-station ground-based radar data and 15-minutes double-space-based angle measurements is 63.77 m lower than that only determined by using single-station ground-based radar data. The space-based angle information greatly improves the observation geometry of the non-cooperative target and improves the precision of orbit determination. The position error of the inclined geosynchronous satellite determined by 3-days ground-based radar data is 323.49 m and the prediction error of 1-7 days is less than 1.0 km. Using 3-days ground-based radar data and single spaced-based angle measurement to determine the orbit of the medium-orbit satellite with an altitude of about 1000 km, the orbital accuracy is 14.66 m and the prediction error of 1-7 days is less than 50.00 m. To determine the orbit of the 280 km height satellite with, 1.5-days ground-based radar data and single space-based angle data, the position error is 270.37 m and the prediction error of 1-day is 1.70 km.

Asteroseismology in the BINA context

The scope of asteroseismic studies within the Belgo-Indian Network for Astronomy and astrophysics (BINA) is explored. The main strands of current research in asteroseismology of solar-type stars are outlined. While it is obvious that it would be difficult to match the quality of the space-based seismic data on such stars with ground-based telescopes, the possibility of contribution to supplemental non-seismic data is considered. New calibrations of colour-temperature relations using archival data are presented. It is proposed that with similar calibrations with BINA-based photometric data in the future, it would be possible to provide accurate estimates of effective temperatures of solar-type stars that would be useful in asteroseismology of such stars.

ASTER multispectral bands, ground magnetic data, ground spectroscopy and space-based EIGEN6C4 gravity data model for identifying potential zones for gold sulphide mineralization in Bhukia, Rajasthan, India

We have used visible near infrared (VNIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectral bands of Advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflectance radiometer (ASTER) to identify prospective zones of mineralization associated with the gold deposit in Bhukia area, Rajasthan. Lineament density, the extent of influence of regional structures/lineament, updated lithological map and the reference magnetic anomaly map are used for prospectivity mapping based on Fuzzy-logic based gamma overlay analysis. We have used high pass filtered (5 × 5 windows) image of selected bands of ASTER to delineate geological lineaments; which are believed to have a significant role in localizing hydrothermal fluid movement and also have influenced the ore deposition. In this regard, two evidential layers are prepared for geological structures. One layer is prepared to delineate a zone of influence of geological structures and other is on lineament density. For this, we also have used ground magnetic data and EIGEN6C4 model based Bouguer gravity data to delineate regional structures; which are combined with the ASTER-derived lineaments to derive composite lineament density map. Principle component image of ASTER bands, suitable false color composite (FCC) images of selected bands are derived to update litho-contacts of reference geological map to use as an evidential layer. Weightages for the themes, on favorable structure, lineament density, and lithology are assigned based on the geological understanding of their relative influence on the formation of the deposit. Weightage given to each layer is rescaled to the range of 0–1 using suitable fuzzy function. In addition to the above-mentioned geogenic factors, magnetic anomaly map is also used as an evidential layer. In this regard, empirical relation between a magnetic anomaly and gold sulphides is used as the reference to give gradational higher weightages to high magnetic anomaly zones; which are occurring within the spatial extent of the host rocks. Highly prospective zone in the Fuzzy prospective map prepared using above evidential layers is segmented for “potential or priority areas” and consequently validated. In this regard, high Zr/Hf anomaly map, Fe2O3 oxide anomaly map, “basement-highs” derived from EIGEN6C4 gravity model and ASTER-derived gossan exposure map are used to identify few priority areas within the highly prospective zone of prospect map. Gossan exposure map used in above purpose has been derived based on the implementation of the matched filtering method on ASTER image using gossan broadband spectra as a reference. Highly prospective zone identified using few regional evidence layers are validated using the localized evidences; which have been used to identify few priority areas within the highly prospective zones. Present approach of conjugate use of regional and local evidence layers to identify the priority areas within the highly prospective zone can be regarded as an innovative method to implement for gold exploration in any part of the world.

The Period Evolution of V473 Tau

In this paper, the period evolution of the rotating chemically peculiar star V473\,Tau is investigated. Even though the star has been observed for more than fifty years, for the first time four consecutive years of space-based data covering between 2007 and 2010 are presented. The data are from the {\sl STEREO} satellite, and are combined with the archival results. The analysis shows that the rotation period of V473\,Tau is $1.406829(10)$ days, and has slightly decreased with the variation rate of 0.11(3)~s~yr$^{-1}$ over time. Also, the acceleration timescale of the star is found to be shorter than its main sequence lifetime. This indicates that the process of decrease in period might be reversible. On this basis, it can be suggested that V473\,Tau has a possible magnetic acceleration and a differential rotation, which cause a variation in the movement of inertia, and hence the observed period change. Additionally, the evolution path of V473\,Tau on the H-R diagram is evaluated. Accordingly, the position of the star on the diagram suggests that its magnetic properties develop before it reaches the main sequence or in the beginning of its main sequence lifetime.

A technique for measuring ensemble-averaged, three-component liquid velocity fields in two-phase, gas–liquid, intermittent pipe flows

Gas–liquid intermittent flows can be found in many engineering applications, nevertheless a detailed knowledge of this flow pattern is still not fully available. In the present work, an experimental study was conducted with the objective of developing a measurement procedure capable of providing ensemble-averaged three-component velocity fields in the liquid phase of a gas–liquid, intermittent, horizontal flow in a pipe. To this end, a high-frequency stereoscopic particle image velocimetry system (SPIV) was employed, combined with the laser induced fluorescence (LIF) technique to separate the light scattered by the liquid–gas interfaces from that emitted by the fluorescent tracer particles. A set of photogates was used to trigger the SPIV system, allowing for the measurement of velocity fields in the liquid plug, downstream of the elongated bubble, and in the liquid film, upstream of the elongated bubble nose position. The triggered measurements allowed the determination of ensemble-averaged three-component velocity fields at different positions in relation to the bubble nose, obtained from the replication of a sufficiently large number of bubble passage events. Contours of the liquid flow streamwise vorticity component in cross-stream planes upstream and downstream of the bubble nose tip were also obtained from the SPIV measurements. The photogate system was also employed to measure the bubble velocity. This information was used to transform time-based into space-based velocity field data. This allowed the construction of a three-dimensional representation of the ensemble-averaged structure of the gas bubble nose and the associated vortical structures induced in the liquid flow. The three-component velocity information obtained revealed the influence of the gas bubble motion on the liquid flow in the plug and liquid film regions.

Achievable orbit determination and prediction accuracy using short-arc space-based observations of space debris

The space-based space surveillance (SBSS) technique is promising in the current and future space surveillance with advantages of global coverage, high covering rate, and strong exploring capacity. This paper focuses on the key problems of this new technique, the accurate orbit determination (OD) and prediction (OP) using short-arc tracking data. 200 debris objects are simulated to be tracked by the satellite in a sun-synchronous orbit. The real-time OD using short-arc space-based optical data of debris from only one pass is performed, and an OP accuracy of 10″ for angles and 100 m for distances over 150 s OP arc is achieved, which is accurate for the pointing guidance of blind space-based lasers operation. The OD/OP performances using multiple passes of short-arc space-based optical data are also assessed. Using at least 2 passes of 120 s short-arc space-based optical data, separated by about 24 h, the determined position accuracy is better than 50 m, and the subsequent 7-day position prediction errors are less than 300 m, which is believed sufficient enough for space applications requiring high accuracy, like the orbit catalogue maintenance, space conjunction analysis for hundreds of thousands of debris.