Validating the capability of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI) for GEO satellite imaging

Abstract

A primary goal of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI) is to enable model-independent imaging of faint targets. Such a capability would address a key problem in the monitoring of satellites in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) where most optical imaging modalities struggle to deliver the milliarcsecond angular resolution and faint-source capability required. We report here on initial MROI observations of a sample of GEO targets aimed at realizing an imaging capability using a sparse ground-based optical array, and confirm the sustained detection of interferometric fringes on a 7.9m projected baseline from the large commercial GEO communications satellite Eutelsat West 115B. Our focus has been on validating the performance of the most critical optomechanical subsystems of the MROI that are required for imaging GEO assets, on the management of observations of objects moving at non-sidereal rates, and on the overall operability of the array for studies of resolved GEO satellites. The impact of these data on the future development of the MROI and the capability of ground-based spatial interferometers for GEO asset situational awareness are discussed.