Feasibility analysis of space target detection based on infrared polarization properties

Infrared polarization properties and their variation can characterize the surface and state information of the space target. Combining the latest progress of current polarization detection, the feasibility of space target detection based on infrared polarization properties is analyzed. Space target polarization properties vary with the materials as well as the orbits of the space targets, which provides a scientific basis of using infrared polarization detection technology to detect and identify space target. Through the analysis of polarization properties of different materials commonly used in space targets, and same material under different surface states and different viewing angles, the results demonstrate that the average DOP(degree of polarization) of a smooth steel plate is about 1.3 times rough steel.