Numerical simulation of satellite Forward Motion Compensation

Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) is becoming increasingly attractive for a broad range of applications. In the context of optical satellite imaging, solutions are required to mitigate motion blur, which is exacerbated by the rapid orbital dynamics characteristic of VLEO. A novel solution is to use piezoelectric actuators within Forward Motion Compensation systems to translate the imaging sensor and compensate for the satellite motion on the image plane. This thesis first investigates the effects of motion blur and exposure time on image quality across different VLEO scenarios and camera systems, introducing a model for shot noise simulation and saturation time estimation. It then proposes and validates a model for the Line-of-Sight motion, which is necessary to determine the actuator compensating motion. The motion law of the actuator is presented alongside its tuning process, based on the required exposure time and orbital conditions. Finally, the Signal-to-Noise Ratio improvement brought by a 100 micrometer travel XY piezoelectric actuator is analysed for various orbital configurations and optical systems. Overall, this work provides a set of analyses and considerations to guide the selection of an optical payload and a Forward Motion Compensation system configuration for a VLEO mission.