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Doublet Pulse Coherent Laser Radar for Tracking of Resident Space ObjectsIn this paper, the development of a long range ladar system known as ExoSPEAR at NASA Langley Research Center for tracking rapidly moving resident space objects is discussed. Based on 100 W, nanosecond class, near-IR laser, this ladar system with coherent detection technique is currently being investigated for short dwell time measurements of resident space objects (RSOs) in LEO and beyond for space surveillance applications. This unique ladar architecture is configured using a continuously agile doublet-pulse waveform scheme coupled to a closed-loop tracking and control loop approach to simultaneously achieve mm class range precision and mm/s velocity precision and hence obtain unprecedented track accuracies. Salient features of the design architecture followed by performance modeling and engagement simulations illustrating the dependence of range and velocity precision in LEO orbits on ladar parameters are presented. Estimated limits on detectable optical cross sections of RSOs in LEO orbits are discussed.



Document ID
20150000585
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Prasad, Narasimha S.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Rudd, Van
(Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies Louisville, CO, United States)
Shald, Scott
(Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies Louisville, CO, United States)
Sandford, Stephen
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Dimarcantonio, Albert
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
January 16, 2015
Publication Date
September 9, 2014
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-19401
Meeting Information
Meeting: Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference
Location: Maui, HI
Country: United States
Start Date: September 9, 2014
End Date: September 12, 2014
Sponsors: Maui Economic Development Board, Inc.
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 432938.11.01.07.42.08
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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