Photometric consistency calibration of space debris based on numerical simulation and laboratory simulation

The photometry of space debris, which is integrated with the information on its shape, material, and attitude, is essential for estimating its identity and rotational motion. We simulate the telescope's optical observation through numerical simulation and laboratory test, in which we extract the target from the laboratory image and match the reflection property of the material to the numerical parameters. The light curves from the numerical simulation and the laboratory test are then corrected to be consistent. Based on background-controllable numerical simulations, we study the target photometry extraction technique in background-interfered images and successfully achieve a simple and reliable method for laboratory images. Then taking the real reflection properties tested in the laboratory as the fitting goal, we regulate the material parameters in the numerical simulation system, to acquire accurate combination of reflection parameters. Our research improves the facticity of numerical simulations and laboratory tests, and supports estimating multi-dimensional physical information such as shape and attitude from photometric data.