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STARSAT: A Joint NASA/AF Project for Laser Calibration of Small Objects in SpaceThe Air Force Research Laboratory/Directed Energy Directorate (AFRL/DE) and the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center are planning a joint laser space calibration experiments using the HI-CLASS ladar system and the Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) located at Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS). These experiments will use ladar data to provide accurate range and signature measurements of calibration spheres with known sizes. Ancillary experiment benefits could include calibrating operational sensors, analyzing effects of orbital perturbations on micro-satellites, and correlating radar and optical signatures. In the first experiment, a GPS/laser beacon instrumented micro-satellite about 20 cm in diameter would be deployed from a Space Shuttle Hitchhiker canister. Orbiting in LEO, the micro-satellite would pass over MSSS on the average of two times per 24 hour period. A timing circuit would activate the GPS unit that would in turn activate the laser beacon at the appropriate time. The HI-CLASS/AEOS system will detect and acquire the micro-sat as it rises above the horizon and demonstrate that continuous track can be maintained throughout the pass. Orbital parameters will be obtained. This operational approach should maximize visibility to the ground-based laser while allowing battery life to be conserved thus extending the lifetime of the satellite. GPS data will be transmitted to the ground, providing independent location information down to cm accuracies for comparison and evaluation purposes.
Document ID
20020048312
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Campbell, Jonathan W.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Carruth, Ralph
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Howell, Joe T.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Meeting Information
Meeting: SPIE''s International Symposium High-Power Laser Ablation 2002
Location: Taos, NM
Country: United States
Start Date: April 21, 2002
End Date: April 26, 2002
Sponsors: International Society for Optical Engineering
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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