Open AccessOPTICAL OBSERVATIONS IN ESA'S SSA PROGRAMME
Author(s) -
Beatriz Jilete,
A. Mancas,
Tim Flohrer,
H. Krag
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
revista mexicana de astronomía y astrofísica. serie de conferencias
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.131
H-Index - 28
ISSN - 1405-2059
DOI - 10.22201/ia.14052059p.2019.51.24
Subject(s) - observatory , robustness (evolution) , remote sensing , software deployment , computer science , gnss applications , software , telescope , engineering , environmental science , telecommunications , global positioning system , geography , optics , physics , astronomy , software engineering , biochemistry , chemistry , gene , programming language
This paper describes the current and planned optical observations initiatives at ESA’s SSA Programme. Several coordinated observation campaigns comprising some sensors have been performed. First qualification results from one of these sensors, SHOT telescope from Teplice Observatory are presented. The concept of an Expert Centre facilitating the SSA space surveillance and tracking (SST) segment’s use of optical passive and laser ranging data from external sensors is detailed that is found relevant for the community of optical observers in SST. ESA’s two half-metre class telescopes on robotic mounts have been integrated in the frame of a technology development programme. Following an in-factory qualification programme, under human supervision and involving commercial, off-the-shelf processing software, for full-end autonomy and robustness testing, the deployment to final sites, covering both hemispheres, is expected to finalise in 2018. Main figure of merits of these robotic telescopes are described.