Space Debris Sky Survey Observation Strategy Based on HEALPix and Greedy Algorithm

To improve the observation efficiency of space debris surveys, a basic sky survey observation strategy was developed, with the aim of observing more space debris based on the Wide Field Optical Telescope Array run by Shandong University. The characteristics of the telescope and dynamic changes in the movement and position of space debris are considered in this strategy. An objective function was designed based on these factors. Using the pixelated sphere method to finely divide the celestial area, applying the summation filtering method, and using a greedy algorithm, the benefit of the objective function can be maximized, thus generating the optimal sky survey observation strategy. Through simulation and observation experiments, we demonstrate that the greedy algorithm observation strategy significantly improves the number of space debris instances and the number of arc segments with respect to the conventional observation strategy. This not only improves the automation level of space debris observation tasks, but also significantly enhances the execution efficiency of telescopes for debris observation. It is very helpful for cataloging space debris and generating collision warnings.