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Polarization Signals of Common Spacecraft MaterialsThis is the final report documenting the results of the polarization testing of near-planar objects with various reflectance properties. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the portion of the reflected signal which is polarized for materials commonly used in space applications. Tests were conducted on several samples, with surface characteristics ranging from highly reflective to relatively dark. The measurements were obtained by suspending the test object in a beam of collimated light. The amount of light falling on the sample was controlled by a circular aperture placed in the light field. The polarized reflectance at various phase angles was then measured. A nonlinear least squares fitting program was used for analysis. For the specular test objects, the reflected signals were measured in one degree increments near the specular point. Otherwise, measurements were taken every five degrees in phase angle. Generally, the more diffuse surfaces had lower polarized reflectances than their more specular counterparts. The reflected signals for the more diffuse surfaces were spread over a larger phase angle range, while the signals from the more specular samples were reflected almost entirely within five degrees of angular deviation from the specular point. The method used to test all the surfaces is presented. The results of this study will be used to support the NASA Orbital Debris Optical Signature Tests. These tests are intended to help better understand the reflectance properties of materials often used in space applications. This data will then be used to improve the capabilities for identification and tracking of space debris.
Document ID
19960054364
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Gravseth, Ian (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Culp, Robert D. (Colorado Univ. Boulder, CO United States)
King, Nicole (Colorado Univ. Boulder, CO United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1996
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-202381
NAS 1.26:202381
Accession Number
96N36533
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG9-407
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG9-768
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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