The Calar Alto Lunar Occultation Program: Update and New Results

We present an update of the lunar occultation program which is routinely carried out in the near-IR at the Calar Alto Observatory. A total of 350 events were recorded since our last report (Fors et al. 2004, A&A, 419, 285). In the course of eight runs we have observed, among others, late-type giants, T-Tauri stars, and infrared sources. Noteworthy was a passage of the Moon close to the galactic center, which produced a large number of events during just a few hours in July 2004. Results include the determinations of the angular diameter of RZ Ari, and the projected separations and brightness ratios for one triple and 13 binary stars, almost all of which representing first time detections. Projected separations range from 0farcs09 to 0farcs007. We provide a quantitative analysis of the performance achieved in our observations in terms of angular resolution and sensitivity, which reach about 0farcs003 and K ≈8.5 mag, respectively. We also present a statistical discussion of our sample, and in particular of the frequency of detection of binaries among field stars

Telescope Fabra ROA Montsec: a new robotic wide-field Baker-Nunn facility

A Baker–Nunn Camera (BNC), originally installed at the Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada (ROA) in 1958, was refurbished and robotized. The new facility, called Telescope Fabra ROA Montsec (TFRM), was installed at the Observatori Astronòmic del Montsec (OAdM). The process of refurbishment is described in detail. Most of the steps of the refurbishment project were accomplished by purchasing commercial components, which involve little posterior engineering assembling work. The TFRM is a 0.5 m aperture f/0.96 optically modified BNC, which offers a unique combination of instrumental specifications: fully robotic and remote operation, wide field of view (4°.4 × 4°.4), moderate limiting magnitude (V ∼ 19.5 mag), ability of tracking at arbitrary right ascension (α) and declination (δ) rates, as well as opening and closing CCD shutter at will during an exposure. Nearly all kinds of image survey programs can benefit from those specifications. Apart from other less time-consuming programs, since the beginning of science TFRM operations we have been conducting two specific and distinct surveys: super-Earths transiting around M-type dwarfs stars, and geostationary debris in the context of Space Situational Awareness/Space Surveillance and Tracking (SSA/SST) programs. Preliminary results for both cases will be shown

The Fabra-ROA Baker-Nunn Camera at Observatori del Montsec: a wide-field imaging facility for exoplanet detection

A number of Baker-Nunn Camera (BNC) were manufactured by Smithsonian Institution during the 60’s as optical tracking systems for artificial satellites with optimal optical and mechanical specifications. One of them was installed at the Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada (ROA). We have conducted a profound refurbishment project of the telescope to be installed at Observatori Astronòmic del Montsec (OAdM) (Fors 2009). As a result, the BNC offers the largest combination of a huge FOV (4.4°×4.4°) and aperture (leading to a limiting magnitude of V∼20). These specifications, together with their remote and robotic natures, allows this instrument to face an observational program of exoplanets detection by means of transit technique with high signal-to-noise ratio in the appropiate magnitude range

New subsystem of the ISON optical network to improve the conjunction analysis

In 2015 quantity of telescopes of 37 observatories that collaborate with ISON project in 17 countries is close to 100 units. These telescopes are combined in 4 main subsystems - for GEO survey, bright and faint objects follow up, and for asteroids (ASPIN). KIAM collected 10.7 million astrometry measurements during 2014 and 9.7 millions to the middle of September 2015. Since 2010, ISON is involving in operations of the Roscosmos Automated system of warning on dangerous situations in space (ASPOS OKP). In this system KIAM is responsible for the daily conjunction analysis at high orbits. To improve the quality of this activity ISON is deploying additional subnetwork for extended GEO surveys from 7 small (18-19.2 cm aperture) automated telescopes with field of view 7x7 degree. Extended surveys of new ISON subnetwork allows to KIAM to determine more precise GEO orbits, to detect maneuvers of active satellites and to help maintain the orbits of GEO objects in clusters. Also it was attempted to form the other new ISON subsystem - for LEO observations from 8 telescopes of 12.5 –cm – 50-cm apertures, but then it was solved to complete with these telescopes already existing follow up subsystems

Increasing of new GEO/HEO space debris discovery rate with ISON optical network

International Scientific Optical Network (ISON) represents one of largest systems specializing in observation of space objects. ISON provides permanent monitoring of the whole GEO region, regular surveying of Molniya type orbits, and tracking of objects at GEO, GTO, HEO and LEO. ISON project is continuously developing and is joining now the 37 observation facilities in 16 countries with 86 telescopes of different class (aperture from 12.5 cm to 2.6 m). 15.4 millions measurements in 2.1 millions of tracklets for about 5000 objects are collected by KIAM in 2015. 339 new space objects have been discovered, 307 previously lost objects have been rediscovered. For comparison, 160 new objects have been discovered in 2014, and 250 in 2013. 2014 was devoted to putting into operation of small survey and follow up telescopes (including new subsystem for extended GEO surveys to determine more precise orbits for conjunction analysis). This caused some decreasing of new space debris discovery rate in 2014. During 2015 and 2016 a lot of the telescopes of 40 cm – 80 cm apertures has been putted into operation. In addition, the methodology of quick identification and follow up of new space objects has been adjusted in part of ISON observatories. This resulted significant increasing of GEO/HEO space debris discovery rate. Achieved parameters of the above mentioned telescopes and obtained results will be presented and discussed. It is planned to start the printing of KIAM monthly bulletin with orbits of new discovered space debris