Application of the time-delay integration method: Survey observations of geosynchronous orbit objects and short-term variability observations

Abstract

"Time-Delay Integration (TDI)" readout technique has been adopted to a mosaic CCD camera equipped with four fully-depleted CCDs. Optical distortion and image deformation due to the TDI operation are discussed. The manner and advantages of the TDI method in survey observations of geosynchronous orbit objects are summarized. We propose a new TDI application method of getting short-term light curves of artificial space objects. This method of detecting a short-term variability can be applied for a variety of objects, ranging from satellites to stars. It can also be used for the light-curve observations of transient objects which might show short-term variability and of which the precise time information is needed.