Sensors, Vol. 19, Pages 4026: An Adaptive Real-Time Detection Algorithm for Dim and Small Photoelectric GSO Debris (Sensors)

Geosynchronous orbit (GSO) is the ideal orbit for communication, navigation, meteorology and other satellites, but the space of GSO is limited, and there are still a large number of space debris threatening the safety of spacecraft. Therefore, real-time detection of GSO debris is necessary to avoid collision accidents. Because radar is limited by transmitting power and operating distance, it is difficult to detect GSO debris, so photoelectric detection becomes the mainstream way to detect GSO debris. This paper presents an adaptive real-time detection algorithm for GSO debris in the charge coupled device (CCD) images. The main work is as follows: An image adaptive fast registration algorithm and an enhanced dilation difference algorithm are proposed. Combining with mathematical morphology, threshold segmentation and global nearest neighbor (GNN) multi-target tracking algorithm, the functions of image background suppression, registration, suspected target extraction and multi-target tracking are realized. The processing results of a large number of measured data show that the algorithm can detect dim geostationary earth orbit (GEO) and non-GEO debris in GSO belt stably and efficiently, and the processing speed meets the real-time requirements, with strong adaptive ability, and has high practical application value.