Optical Polarization Characteristics of Low-Earth-Orbit Space Targets

This study investigates the optical polarization characteristics of low-earth-orbit (LEO) space targets at different operating attitudes for different surface materials by analyzing these characteristics using a microfacet analysis model. Subsequently, the polarization image of a typical LEO space target was simulated, and several laboratory and outfield polarization detection experiments were conducted. Simulated and experimental results validate the effectiveness of polarization in analyzing and evaluating the operating attitudes of the LEO space targets and in identifying their material properties. Results show that the polarization images can effectively determine the constituent structure of the LEO space targets.