Practical Issues Related to the Interferometric Imaging of Geosats

Abstract : Imaging geostationary satellites from the ground is an important Space Situational Awareness diagnostic tool that will require the use of optical interferometry. We developed a series of imaging and data quality simulations that allow us to investigate issues related to the interferometric imaging of such targets. We discuss the number of baselines and sampling density needed to achieve different resolutions. We investigate the effect of target size relative to the resolving power of a single telescope in the interferometer, and how this in influences the amount of light coupled into a ber and the observed interferometric visibility amplitude. We also investigate a method that will allow one to determine and correct phase variations due to different delay sources in a post-processing way. The results presented here will be important to guide the design of future optical interferometers dedicated to the imaging of geosats.