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Optical Studies of Artificial Space Debris Using the Curtis-Schmidt Telescope

The Curtis-Schmidt Telescope, operated by the University of Michigan at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, is dedicated to NASA's program for optical studies of artificial space debris. Funded fully by NASA’s Orbital Debris Program, the telescope focuses on the geostationary and navigation satellite regimes, conducting observations three times a year. With state-of-the-art computer-controlled systems and a modernized CCD camera, it enhances tracking of debris, contributing vital data to improve space safety and awareness.

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Optical Studies of Artificial Space Debris Using the Curtis-Schmidt Telescope

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  1. Current Status:Curtis-Schmidt Telescope Patrick Seitzer Department of Astronomy University of Michigan pseitzer@umich.edu Funded by: NASA Orbital Debris Program Office Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas

  2. University of Michigan Curtis-Schmidt TelescopeCerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Chile 0.0.61/0.91-m Schmidt telescope

  3. Optical Studies of Space Debris • MODEST - Michigan Orbital DEbris Survey Telescope • 100% dedicated to NASA program of optical studies of artificial space debris. • NASA funds all (100%) of everything - mountain share costs, operating costs, capital improvements, travel, etc. • Principal areas of interest are GEO regime and navigation satellite regime (near mean motion 2 rev/day) • 3 times/year - Schmidt and CTIO 0.9-m run simultaneously for survey and chase. 7 nights. • Handoff to 0.9-m within 20 minutes of discovery on Schmidt.

  4. Examples of Detections

  5. Optical Layout

  6. Technical Details • 100 mm diameter Prontor shutter • Computer controlled filter bolt with five 4x4-inch square filters • Computer controlled focus • March 2005 telescope drives modernized using NASA funds • DFM Engineering • Everything now computer controlled via TCP/IP connection • Dome open/close • Dome rotation • Telescope positioning and tracking • Maximum slew rate tested at 1.8 deg/sec • 3 objective prisms - 1.5, 4, and 6 degrees • 5 second exposure - S/N = 10 in broad V+R filter at R = 18 • saturation at R = 10 with SITe CCD (2.318 arc-seconds/pixel, 1.3 deg FOV)

  7. New CCD Camera • Calendar year 2007: NASA provided funds for new CCD camera to replace ARCON • Delivery expected later this year • Spectral Instruments, Tucson, Arizona. • E2V 231 series deep depletion CCD, flat carrier. • Astro-Broadband coating • Cryotiger cooled. • 4096x4096 15-micron device: • 1.4 arc-seconds/pixel • 1.6 x 1.6 degree FOV

  8. DES Use? • NASA funded till end of January 2010; hopefully beyond that. • DES use possible if no interference with NASA project. • Discussion to date - two months in December 2010 and January 2011? • These months are when antisolar point at low galactic latitude: difficult for debris work. • DES pays all costs and contributes to capital improvements. • Other details…..

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