Modeling time-evolving infrared characteristics for space objects with micromotions

A space object undergoes micromotion dynamics such as spinning, coning, and rolling, in addition to the centroid translation along the trajectory in space. In this work, by taking into account micromotion dynamics and heat transfer, an infrared (IR) signature prediction model for space objects is developed. Results demonstrate that micromotion dynamics results in periodic variation of the projected area to spaceborne sensors, thus influencing the IR characteristics of the space object.