Modeling and simulation of visible light scattering properties of spatial object using STK

For supplying the space-based optical observation system designer with referenced data, equivalent magnitude model of spatial object is established using STK. First, the visible light scatting characteristics of spatial object surface cell is analyzed by using BRDF five-parameter model. Second, combined with the characteristics of object shape and material property, the configuration model of space target is built, and formulation of equivalent magnitude computing model of space object is carried out by analyzing every single surface cell. Last, Satellite Tool Kit (STK) was used to provide relationship among sun, space object and observation satellite to simplify the solving of the formulation, and then, a new magnitude computing model based on STK is established. It was verified with one example and some analyses. The result displays that the new model is much more precise than the diffuse one. Besides, the results show that the best observing time and the corresponding magnitude can be easily solved with STK.