Acquisition and Tracking Performance Evaluation
Abstract
Experimental evaluation has been made of tracking and pointing performance of an optical communication system employing a separate laser for each of these functions. The optical beam diameters were scaled down to 7/8 in. from larger diameters which would be employed for an operational space communication system. The tracking system and pointing laser were mounted on an oscillating table in simulation of vehicle limit cycle motion. Measurements were made of the time for the image dissector tracker to acquire a target, the angular range over which this could be accomplished, and the probability of acquisition on each scan with a minimum (0-margin) signal. Measurements were also made of the effects on tracking and pointing accuracy of signal-to-noise ratio, automatic gain control performance, beam diameter, gimbal friction and inertia, servo loop characteristics, accelerations, and atmospheric turbulence. Experimental results confirmed theoretical predictions of performance and demonstrated the feasibility of tracking and pointing laser beams with accuracy suitable for practical communication systems in space.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0908924
Entities
People
- C. E. Mcclellan
- G. R. Chippendale
- G. R. Hostetter
- L. G. Horn
- R. C. Ohlmann
- R. O. Waddoups
Organizations
- Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space