Image Simulator for Resident Space Objects

The exponential increase in space debris poses a significant threat to Earth's orbiting satellites. This research focuses on analyzing the potential utility of star trackers as devices for space debris detection. Through a thorough literature review, current approaches and limitations in space debris detection were examined. Since star trackers images are not available, to experiment and evaluate the feasibility of using star trackers for detection purposes, a simulator of the sky with space debris was developed. The simulator is able to recreate staring and tracking scenarios, as well as the behavior of different cameras and sensors to account for noise. The simulator generates images representative of space objects as seen through star trackers. These images provide a realistic preview of the conditions that might be encountered in the orbital environment. Results obtained through the simulator highlight the possibility of using star trackers to detect space debris, thereby contributing to mitigating the growing threat these pose to satellites. This study provides a contribution to understanding the potential of star trackers in monitoring space debris along with a tool which could be further developed to better test star tracker as detection devices for debris.