Space Debris Detection and Resident Space Object (RSO) Classification using Polarimetric Discriminants

The objective of this study is to present a novel experimental polarimetric ladar-based laboratory design system for space object characterization and recognition. The outcome of this study indicates that combining Stokes parameters analysis with single-pixel detection, it leads to reliable polarimetric Figure-of-Merits (FOM)s that can be used as powerful tools for image analysis, characterization, and discrimination of space debris and resident space objects (RSO).