Rapid Characterization of Geosynchronous Space Debris with 5-color Near-IR Photometry

The characterization of deep space debris has posed a significant challenge in SSA. To be most operationally effective, characterization must be performed quickly and under non-ideal operational conditions, generally using non-resolved techniques. The use of multi-color photometry and the resultant color indices in the near and short- wave IR offer the potential to rapidly discriminate between debris and intact space objects such as rocket bodies and satellites. Specifically, the color indices surrounding the near-IR Z band (0.83-0.925 μm) show promise to differentiate materials while providing a more practical data collection opportunity when compared to spectroscopy. Similar techniques have been demonstrated in the astronomical community to discriminate between different classes of near Earth asteroids. The diagnostic attributes of the Z band are particularly compelling as similar diagnostic color indices can be measured using visible telescopes and the corresponding Sloan z’ band. Initial results of an extensive survey of cataloged debris, high area -to-mass ratio (HAMR) objects, rocket bodies, and intact satellites with the UK IR Telescope (UKIRT) Wide Field Camera (WFCAM) are presented to assess the efficacy of these techniques. As a test case, an ensemble of Russian SL-12 rocket bodies (SL-12 RB) discarded in geosynchronous orbit has been studied. Using the techniques described above, one of these rocket bodies (2012-012D, SCN 38104) has been identified having anomalous near-IR spectral characteristics compared to all others in the study. Additionally, this object experiences unusual secular perturbations in its post-mission orbital elements