More Optimal Searches
Laurence G. Taff, P. M. S. Randall · 1983
Specific application is made to searches for near-stationary artificial satellites and to the classical along orbit search. These two reflect different limiting cases for the a priori target distribution (uniform for the near-stationary case) and the conditional detection probability (uniform for the along orbit case). Our treatment of the near-stationary case is as realistic as is currently possible. Atmospheric extinction, eclipses, and phase effects are all included. Similarly we have explored a variety of scenarios for the along orbit search. We conclude with explicit search plan construction and illustrative examples. Finally we mention other work in this area currently underway.