Citation
Abstract
A formation optical range and attitude sensor is being developed that uses a laser beam source and a modulated retro-reflector (MRR) target to measure distances between a few meters and a few kilometers with sub-millimeter resolution. Data extracted from multiple MRR targets on a single spacecraft will also provide arcminute-accuracy attitude information with over a ±10-deg field of view. Information encoded on the MRR allows a communication channel to be added to the ranging signal. A laboratory prototype demonstrated a ranging resolution of 0.2 mm with an absolute accuracy of ±2 mm over 2 m.
Keywords
deep space optical communications
optical communications system
range and attitude measurement
Details
- Volume
- 42-161
- Published
- May 15, 2005
- Pages
- 1–7
- File Size
- 454.9 KB