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High Precision Ranging and Range-Rate Measurements over Free-Space-Laser Communication LinkWe present a high-precision ranging and range-rate measurement system via an optical-ranging or combined ranging-communication link. A complete bench-top optical communication system was built. It included a ground terminal and a space terminal. Ranging and range rate tests were conducted in two configurations. In the communication configuration with 622 data rate, we achieved a two-way range-rate error of 2 microns/s, or a modified Allan deviation of 9 x 10 (exp -15) with 10 second averaging time. Ranging and range-rate as a function of Bit Error Rate of the communication link is reported. They are not sensitive to the link error rate. In the single-frequency amplitude modulation mode, we report a two-way range rate error of 0.8 microns/s, or a modified Allan deviation of 2.6 x 10 (exp -15) with 10 second averaging time. We identified the major noise sources in the current system as the transmitter modulation injected noise and receiver electronics generated noise. A new improved system will be constructed to further improve the system performance for both operating modes.
Document ID
20160000985
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Yang, Guangning
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Lu, Wei
(ASRC Federal Space and Defense Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Krainak, Michael
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Sun, Xiaoli
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Date Acquired
January 20, 2016
Publication Date
March 5, 2016
Subject Category
Communications And Radar
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN28840
Meeting Information
Meeting: IEEE Aerospace Conference
Location: Big Sky, MT
Country: United States
Start Date: March 5, 2016
End Date: March 12, 2016
Sponsors: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG13CR48C
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
optical navigation
laser ranging
Laser communication
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