| Name: | Rajesh R. Shah |
| Affiliation: | Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad |
| Conference ID : | ASI2023_595 |
| Title : | Optical observations of spacecraft in Geosynchronous and Geo Transfer Orbit using 1.2M PRL telescope |
| Authors : | Rajesh R Shah (Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, Gujarat) (rrshah@prl.res.in)
Shashikiran Ganesh (Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, Gujarat) (shashi@prl.res.in)
B. Nagesh Rao, Former Manager, Flight Dynamics Group, Master Control Facility, Hassan, Karnataka (nageshraob@rediffmail.com)
M. R. Rajesh Kannan, Flight Dynamics and Space Situational Awareness Group, Master Control Facility, Hassan, Karnataka (rajesh@mcf.gov.in) |
| Mode of Presentation: | Poster |
| Abstract Category : | Instrumentation and Techniques |
| Abstract : | In this paper, the methodology used in optical observations of IRNSS-1C and GSAT-6A spacecraft is described. The optical observations were carried out using high-resolution small field of view 1.2-meter astronomical telescope operated by Physical Research Laboratory at Mt. Abu in the year 2018. The steps followed in optical tracking, pointing, imaging and photometry are briefed. An astronomy grade CCD camera for optical band and Near Infrared camera (NICS) is used for infrared band imaging. The experiment was carried out using indigenously developed hardware interface utilizing Predict software. The non-sidereal tracking method developed for observing objects like comets and asteroids (which have large apparent motion relative to the distant stars) were utilized for observing the artificial satellites.
IRNSS-1C is an operational spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit whereas GSAT-6A, en route to geosynchronous orbit encountered an anomaly and stranded in Geo Transfer Orbit (GTO). IRNSS-1C astrometric data is used to determine the orbit using azimuth and elevation data. Thus, derived orbital parameters are compared with respect to operational orbit determination results. GSAT-6A photometric data is used to determine the rotational spin period using fast photometry. The results derived in this work, encourages to initiate optical observation campaigns which would be helpful for on-going space situational awareness activities of ISRO.
Acknowledgements:
We acknowledge Dr Anil Bhardwaj, Director, PRL and H. P. Shenoy, Director, Master Control Facility, for constant support and encouragement in this work. |
