Deriving the geocentric vector and the solar vector from the atmospheric polarization pattern on LEO satellites

Using the polarimetric imaging sensor on LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) satellites to photograph the atmospheric polarization pattern derived from the polarized light backscattered by the atmospheric particles is proposed in this paper. First, the formation of polarization pattern and its measurement principle are introduced based on Rayleigh scattering, and the extraatmospheric polarization pattern is analyzed. Afterwards, it is presented that how to attain the geocentric vector and the solar vector simultaneously from the polarization pattern through the least squares method, which is verified by simulation subsequently. The simulation results show that it is feasible to derive the two vectors from the captured image.