Optimization of ground-based optical network configuration for geosynchronous orbit observation.
Abstract
The geosynchronous orbit (GEO) region hosts critical high-value satellites, making continuous space situational awareness essential for collision risk assessment and national security. We propose a model for quantitatively evaluating the performance and gain of ground-based optical telescope networks for GEO observation, with emphasis on key metrics including spatiotemporal coverage, system sensitivity, and detection latency for single and multiple stations. This framework supports flexible adjustment of site coordinates, sky background, telescope aperture, detector characteristics, and observational conditions, which provides decision-oriented data support for global network deployment and resource allocation. Validated against Stellarium simulations, the model demonstrates a mean spatial coverage error of 0.49% with high geometric accuracy. Brightness prediction errors below 1.0 magnitude relative to measured data confirm its feasibility and numerical stability. Combined with a two-facet model, the framework enables albedo-area retrieval of unresolved GEO targets, specifically for three-axis-stabilized satellites.