Imaging Charge-Coupled Devices For Deep-Space Surveillance

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Abstract
The Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) system will employ a SIT vidicon camera to detect satellites. Imaging charge-coupled devices (CCDs) are being evaluated as a means to improve GEODSS capability. This paper presents performance models and uses them to evaluate currently available CCDs and to determine the characteristics of the ideal CCD array for GEODSS. The analysis includes an approach for determining the CCD pixel size which maximizes signal-to-noise ratio; this approach can be used in many applications. The impact of response nonuniformity and a simple compensation method are also discussed. The combination of a suitable CCD array, response nonuniformity compensation, and moving target indicator (MTI) processing is expected to substantially increase the detection and search rate capability of the GEODSS system.

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