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Article

A Novel Three-Dimensional Imaging Method for Space Targets Utilizing Optical-ISAR Joint Observation

Graduate School, Space Engineering University, Beijing 101416, China
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Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(23), 3881; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17233881 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 8 November 2025 / Revised: 24 November 2025 / Accepted: 27 November 2025 / Published: 29 November 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Remote Sensing Image Processing)

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology for space targets can provide information support such as target structures and dimensions for space missions including on-orbit services and fault diagnosis, which is crucial for maintaining the normal operation of space assets. Optical devices and ISAR (Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar) can provide high-resolution two-dimensional (2D) images of space targets, serving as the primary means for space target observation. However, existing 3D imaging methods for space targets exhibit significant limitations: the fusion process of optical observation data and ISAR observation data lacks automation, and factors such as image offset that affect 3D imaging quality are not fully considered. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel 3D imaging method for space targets utilizing optical-ISAR joint observation. This method first employs semantic segmentation networks to automatically extract target regions from optical and ISAR images. Then, it combines octree-space carving technology for efficient 3D reconstruction and performs correction of target region offset based on projection optimization to achieve high-quality 3D imaging. This method eliminates the need for manual target region extraction, improving the automation level of the algorithm. The application of octree-space carving technology greatly enhances the efficiency of 3D reconstruction. Moreover, by correcting target region offset, the proposed method delivers superior 3D imaging results. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the method exhibits significant superior performance in terms of reconstruction efficiency and imaging quality. Additionally, experiments based on measured data further verify the feasibility and practical application value of the proposed method.
Keywords: inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR); multi-station joint observation; spinning space targets; three-dimensional imaging inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR); multi-station joint observation; spinning space targets; three-dimensional imaging

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Li, J.; Zhang, Y.; Yin, C.; Xu, C.; Zhu, X.; Fang, H.; Zhang, Q. A Novel Three-Dimensional Imaging Method for Space Targets Utilizing Optical-ISAR Joint Observation. Remote Sens. 2025, 17, 3881. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17233881

AMA Style

Li J, Zhang Y, Yin C, Xu C, Zhu X, Fang H, Zhang Q. A Novel Three-Dimensional Imaging Method for Space Targets Utilizing Optical-ISAR Joint Observation. Remote Sensing. 2025; 17(23):3881. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17233881

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li, Jishun, Yasheng Zhang, Canbin Yin, Can Xu, Xinli Zhu, Haihong Fang, and Qingchen Zhang. 2025. "A Novel Three-Dimensional Imaging Method for Space Targets Utilizing Optical-ISAR Joint Observation" Remote Sensing 17, no. 23: 3881. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17233881

APA Style

Li, J., Zhang, Y., Yin, C., Xu, C., Zhu, X., Fang, H., & Zhang, Q. (2025). A Novel Three-Dimensional Imaging Method for Space Targets Utilizing Optical-ISAR Joint Observation. Remote Sensing, 17(23), 3881. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17233881

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