During the last few years, one of our main research topics has been developing a new type of spectropolarimeter intended for space applications. Initially analyzed numerically, the instrument has a compact, stable design without rotating components. The entire Stokes vector can be determined in a single shot in a vast spectral range. The simulations proved that the modulation schemes that can be obtained for this instrument are close to the optimal form. The objective of the current research is the experimental validation of this instrument. Here, we present the first results for determining the instrumental matrix and the demodulation results for a s eries of polarization states. In conclusion, we present the possible further developments of that project.

A novel method for space object identification is proposed, based on full Stokes spectropolarimetry in the visible and near-infrared wavelength range. Space objects that have been previously detected and are illuminated by the sun can be observed with a telescope to simultaneously obtain intensity, spectra, and polarimetry, and compose light curves of these parameters as function of time. The intention is to thus assign a unique identification, or at least a classification to these objects. Single, double, and multiple reflections of sunlight off the space object (natural or artificial objects, including debris) will introduce spectrally dependent polarisation into the scattered light, the spectral signature of which is affected by the complex refractive index of the scattering materials and the geometry. The simultaneous measurement of the full Stokes vector allows separation of the light source unpolarised spectral signatures on the one hand from the polarisation spectral features on the other hand. To illustrate the concept, we have performed a number of simulations for double scattering off a small selection of materials, for a large range of scattering geometries. Examples of individual scattering geometries and statistical summaries of all geometries are presented. A demonstrator spectropolarimeter is being built, we present an overview of the design and the high level planning, as well as some predicted performance parameters.