A Comparison of Two Sites for the Purpose of Satellite Laser Ranging
Abstract
In this memorandum, the efficacy of satellite laser ranging off of enhanced and unenhanced satellites for the purposes of precise positioning and orbital determination is compared for two configurations. This report is not a tutorial in laser ranging but does present and define the laser link equation and all key parameters. Results from field tests conducted using the NRL laser ranging system installed at Malabar, Florida, are compared with predicted returns if the NRL system were installed at the USAF 3.5 meter facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was found that 33.4 dB of increased system sensitivity is possible when ranging from the New Mexico site. In the field tests, it was found that unenhanced target acquisition and subsequent glint location could not be determined from the Malabar configuration. However, the question of precise positioning of unenhanced targets could be reopened from the New Mexico site due to the potential increase in return signal strength
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA283149
Entities
People
- Anne E. Clement
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory