Modeling of Resident Space Object Light Curves with Blender Software

Abstract

Abstract Modeling the behavior and shape of space objects is widely used in modern astrophysical research methods. Such studies are often used to determine the shape and modeling of physical parameters of variable stars and asteroids. Therefore, based on the database of photometric observations of resident space objects (RSO) available in the Laboratory of Space Research of Uzhhorod National University, it was decided to find a means for modeling light curves to confirm the shape of objects and determine the parameters of their rotation by analogy with objects in deep space. We attempted to use Blender software to model the RSO synthetic light curves (LCs). While Blender has been a popular open-source software among animators and visual effects artists, in recent years, it has also become a tool for researchers: for example, it is used for visualizing astrophysical datasets and generating asteroid light curves. In the process of modeling, we used all the advantages of Blender software such as Python scripting and used GPU. We made synthetic LCs for two objects – TOPEX/Poseidon and COSMOS-2502. A 3D model for Topex/Poseidon was available on the NASA website, but after research of official datasheets, we figured out that the available 3D model requires corrections in the dimensions of the RSO body and solar panel. A 3D model of COSMOS-2502 was made according to available information from the internet. A manual modeling process was performed according to well-known RSO’s self-rotation parameters. For example, we also show the results of LC modeling using the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. All synthetic LCs obtained in the research process are well correlated with real observed LCs.