The Space Flight Technology group assists current research and development projects relating to GNSS-based spacecraft navigation, provides the flight-dynamics ground segment for all satellite projects at the German Space Operations Center (GSOC), and conducts research and development activities for spacecraft rendezvous and docking, real-time evaluation of satellite on-board payload data, and space situational awareness.

In order to provide space situational awareness and to ensure safe satellite operations, we develop and operate telescope stations at GSOC in close collaboration with the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern. These telescope stations are used to obtain data for the creation of a data base of resident space objects that is supposed to be both precise and as complete as possible. The properties and behaviour of the observed objects must be analysed in order to gain a better understanding of the processes governing the evolution of high-altitude resident space objects and their environment. Amidst a growing population of space debris, all objects found shall be maintained in a data base, wherever possible.

Light Curve Analysis of Objects in High-Altitude Earth Orbits:

• evaluation of commercially available CCD-, CMOS-, and sCMOS-cameras with regards to their suitability for recording light curves of objects in a geostationary orbit (GEO)
• selection of suitable GEO objects for light curves
• measurement of light curves of selected GEO objects
• derivation of relevant parameters from the light curves, e.g., determination of the rotation axes, the rotation period, and their rotational dynamics
• development of the algorithms required to perform the analyses of these tasks
• documentation of software
• preparation of scientific publications and presentations
• attendance of conferences, workshops, and seminars in order to publish results and to expand knowledge base