Withdraw
Loading…
Improved model of the optical brightness of satellites with several reflective surfaces
Jangid, Nayan
This item's files can only be accessed by the System Administrators group.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125826
Description
- Title
- Improved model of the optical brightness of satellites with several reflective surfaces
- Author(s)
- Jangid, Nayan
- Issue Date
- 2024-07-16
- Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
- Eggl, Siegfried
- Department of Study
- Aerospace Engineering
- Discipline
- Aerospace Engineering
- Degree Granting Institution
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Degree Name
- M.S.
- Degree Level
- Thesis
- Keyword(s)
- Satellite Brightness
- Photometric Modeling
- Satellite Reflectance
- Satellite Light Pollution
- Abstract
- This Thesis presents advanced modeling techniques for calculating the apparent brightness of satellites as observed from Earth. The proposed approach incorporates the effects of both direct solar illumination and indirect reflections from the Earth's surface, significantly improving upon previous models. Considering all satellite chassis surfaces, this model offers a comprehensive and realistic representation of the complex interplay of light scattering and reflection. To achieve accurate estimates of satellite apparent brightness, this work employs Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Functions (BRDF) to characterize the reflective properties of satellite components. Integrating BRDF and multi-surface modeling substantially enhances traditional methods, allowing for a more precise understanding of how light interacts with the satellite's surfaces. The mathematical foundations of the multi-surface approach are thoroughly detailed, and the model's predictive performance is validated through comparisons with observations of selected Starlink satellites. The results demonstrate a marked improvement over existing satellite brightness models, highlighting the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach. Furthermore, this empirical model provides critical insights into satellite brightness across various solar angles, which is essential for developing strategies to mitigate the impact of satellite constellations on ground-based astronomy. This work aims to contribute to the sustainable coexistence of astronomical research and the expanding field of space exploration and commercialization. By offering a robust tool for accurately predicting satellite brightness, this thesis supports the ongoing efforts to minimize the adverse effects of satellite constellations on astronomical observations while promoting the sustainable advancement of space technologies.
- Graduation Semester
- 2024-08
- Type of Resource
- Thesis
- Handle URL
- https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125826
- Copyright and License Information
- Copyright 2024 Nayan Jangid
Owning Collections
Graduate Dissertations and Theses at Illinois PRIMARY
Graduate Theses and Dissertations at IllinoisManage Files
Loading…
Edit Collection Membership
Loading…
Edit Metadata
Loading…
Edit Properties
Loading…
Embargoes
Loading…