Hardware-in-the-loop space debris simulation method using dynamic optical detection scenarios

The threat of space debris to space security is increasing, and optical detection is the main observation method for space debris. Due to the limitations of observation geometries in current obtaining space debris measurement data, it is generally necessary to rely on simulation methods to supplement. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation can obtain optical detection data with high fidelity at a small cost, but the existing HIL simulation methods can only simulate simple motion relationships. In order to improve its simulation ability for complex space motion scenarios, the optical HIL simulation method of space debris based on dynamic detection scenarios is proposed. It can simulate the dynamic observation geometries and conduct scenario-modality-feature collaborative simulation to obtain sequential space debris simulation data corresponding to different modalities and scenarios. Based on the method, ground-based and space-based space debris detection simulation experiments are executed, and the target features are analyzed by using the detection data to indicate the effectiveness of the simulation. The method is applicable for the simulation of optical detection of space debris, and can support the study of multi-dimensional features of space debris.