A method of describing space objects optical scattering characteristics based on Lambert model

Aiming at the problem of irregular wrinkled surface on space objects, which cannot be described accurately by 3D model, then it is proposed to use the Lambert model instead of BRDF model to describe the scattering characteristics of the coating materials. In order to verify the correctness of this assumption, the photometric data of a satellite scale model was obtained from simulation calculation and experimental measurements using two sets of the same STK (Satellite Tool Kit) scenarios. Based on the material proprieties and orbit characteristics of space object, the numerical photometric model was built. Photometric measurement of the scale model was conducted in the dark laboratory. The RMSEs(Root Mean Square Errors) of the simulated and measured magnitude are 0.187 and 0.641 based on Lambert model in two different scenarios, while the RMSEs are 0.875 and 1.060 based on BRDF model. The results indicate that the simulation results base on Lambert model fit better with the experimental results than BRDF model.