RESIDENT SPACE OBJECT DETECTION USING ARCHIVAL THEMIS FLUXGATE MAGNETOMETER DATA

Although the detection of space objects is generally achieved using optical and radar measurements, these methods are limited in the capability of detecting small space objects at geosynchronous altitudes. This paper examines the use of magnetometers to detect space objects by introducing a matched filter scoring approach and evaluating it using archival fluxgate magnetometer data from the NASA THEMIS mission. Relevant data-set processing and reduction is discussed in detail. Supporting evidence for using magnetometers to detect resident space objects is presented. Plausible detections of charged space objects are reviewed.