Detection of Small LEO Debris by Use of the Line Detection Method

Abstract

In this paper we propose a new method known as “the line detection method” in order to detect small pieces of LEO debris. Directions of the line created by small LEO debris on CCD images are supposed and values of pixels along the direction are accumulated to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. This method is able to detect 30 to 40 times darker LEO debris than usual methods. We tested this method by using the 35cm telescope and the back-illuminated CCD camera at the Mt. Nyukasa Astronomical Observatory. One small LEO debris whose radar cross section was 0.0047 square meter was detected. The observation facilities at the Bisei Spaceguard Center, the 1m telescope and the back-illuminated wide field camera, are expected to detect LEO debris of a few centimeter with this method. The line detection method will be used to probe the environment of small LEO debris and contribute to solve the space debris problem.