Optimization Method for Space-Based Target Detection System Based on Background-Oriented Schlieren

Currently, the visual detection of a target’s shock flow field through background schlieren technology is a novel detection system. However, there are very few studies on the long-distance background schlieren imaging mechanism and its application in system design in the field of target detection. This paper proposes a design optimization method for space-based BOS detection system metrics. By establishing sensitivity evaluation models and image signal-to-noise ratio evaluation models for BOS detection systems, the influence of the different flight parameters and key parameters of BOS systems (detection spectral bands and spatial resolution) on target detection efficiency is explored. Furthermore, an optimization method based on the image signal-to-noise ratio of the BOS system and the overall metrics for specific scenarios are provided. The simulation results demonstrate that under satellite background images and speckle background images, the system metrics can detect and identify the schlieren of high-speed targets, with better applicability to disordered and complex real background images. This research contributes to advancing the development of high-speed target detection technology based on BOS.