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FrozenGate by Avery

Using Lasers in Space

R

rvrh3

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Nov 18, 2010
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Would anyone here have any ideas on how I could use lasers for locating an object's position, velocity, and obtain attitude data? My goal is to develop an efficient system to use in proximity operations for uncooperative space craft. I would greatly appreciate any realistic ideas! :) I figured that when it comes to lasers, this is the place to come for advice.

Thank you
 





You'll need a very serious setup, MUCH bigger, more expensive and complex than,
I dare to say, anything anyone here has in his garage....

Basically, divergence of the beam and of course the athmosphere are a real buzzkill, you would need one serious beam expander and lots of power...

Also, try the Photonlexicon.
 
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I have the budget. I just need some pointing in the right direction :) thanks!
 
Shouldn't their be Aerospace research/information on this that may be of help? Lasers have been used on spacecraft rather extensively.
 
rvrh3 said:
lasers for locating an object's position, velocity, and obtain attitude data? My goal is to develop an efficient system to use in proximity operations for uncooperative space craft.
Click to expand...

Not very original idea - a lidar system with a scanner.
 
Uncooperative, or unresponsive. To be able to identify a space craft in a satellite's orbital path, maneuver around it, or even sync into formation flight, as well as analyzing its orbital dynamics.
 
What kind of orbits are we talking about here? Stuff in LEO, or geostationary?
 
Do you have a multi-billion dollar budget? :thinking:

-Trevor
 
rvrh3 said:
LEO, why?
Click to expand...

Well, building any rangefinding system depends on the range it has to deal with. Objects in LEO aren't -that- far away (several 100 km), so it might at least be possible to illuminate them with a laser from the ground. The downside is obviously that they do fly across the sky at great relative speed, which puts requirements on the aiming system.

I don't really understand what it is you want to build though.

Both NASA and ESA are monitoring space debris in LEO, geostationary and transfer orbits - i assume you don't want to copy that, since their equipment is pretty expensive and already installed.
 
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