Current Trends in Satellite Laser Ranging

Computer Science – Performance

Scientific paper

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[1294] Geodesy And Gravity / Instruments And Techniques

Scientific paper

Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) is used to measure accurately the distance from ground stations to retroreflectors on satellites and the Moon. SLR is one of the fundamental space geodetic techniques that define the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), which is the basis upon which we measure many aspects of global change over space, time, and evolving technology. Laser Ranging provides precision orbit determination and instrument calibration/validation for satellite-borne altimeters for the better understanding of sea level change, ocean dynamics, ice budget, and terrestrial topography. It is also a tool to study the dynamics of the Moon and fundamental constants. Many of the GNSS satellites now carry retro-reflectors for improved orbit determination, harmonization of reference frames, and in-orbit co-location and system performance validation. The ILRS delivers weekly realizations that are accumulated sequentially to extend the ITRF and the Earth Orientation Parameter (EOP) series with a daily resolution. Additional products are currently under development such as precise orbits of satellites, EOP with daily availability, and low-degree gravitational harmonics for studies of Earth dynamics and kinematics. SLR technology continues to evolve toward the next generation laser ranging systems as programmatic requirements become more stringent. Ranging precision is improving as higher repetition rate, narrower pulse lasers and faster detectors are implemented. Automation and pass interleaving at some stations are already expanding temporal coverage. Web-based safety keys are allowing the SLR network stations to range to optically vulnerable satellites. Some stations are experimenting with two-wavelength operation as a means of better understanding the atmospheric refraction and with very low-power laser to improve eye-safety conditions. New retroreflector designs are improving the signal link and enable daylight ranging. Dramatic improvements have also been made with lunar ranging with the new APOLLO Site in New Mexico, USA and the upgraded lunar station “MEO” in Grasse, France. We will discuss many of these laser ranging activities and some of the tough challenges that the SLR network currently faces.

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