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NASA's Photon-Counting SLR2000 Satellite Laser Ranging System: Progress and ApplicationsNASA's new unmanned SLR2000 system is designed to track, with millimeter precision and using single photon returns, a constellation of roughly 24 retroreflector-equipped satellites, which range in altitude from about 300 km to 20,000 km. Totally autonomous operation and a common engineering configuration are expected to greatly reduce station operations costs relative to NASA's current manned systems. The system has also been designed with a goal of significantly lowering replication costs. All of the prototype components and subsystems have been completed and tested and have substantially met the original specifications. The prototype system is presently undergoing final integration and testing in a dedicated shelter with an azimuth tracking dome synchronized to the optical tracking mount. The facility also features a number of security features such as security cameras and sensors designed to detect power or thermal control problems or entry by unauthorized personnel. Field tests are in progress. The present paper provides an overview of the various subsystems and test results to date. The meteorological subsystem, which has operated successfully in the field for almost three years, consists of several sensors which measure: (1) pressure, temperature, and relative humidity; (2) wind speed and direction; (3) ground visibility and precipitation; and (4) local cloud cover as a function of station azimuth and elevation (day and night). A "pseudo-operator" software program interprets the sensor readings and modifies satellite tracking priorities based on local meteorological conditions.
Document ID
20040012969
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Degnan, John J.
(Sigma Space Corp. Lanham, MD, United States)
McGarry, Jan
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Zagwodzki, Thomas
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Donovan, Howard
(Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc. Lanham, MD, United States)
Patterson, Don
(Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc. Lanham, MD, United States)
Steggerda, Charles
(Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc. Lanham, MD, United States)
Mallama, Anthony
(Raytheon Information Technology and Scientific Services Lanham, MD, United States)
Cheek, Jack
(Raytheon Information Technology and Scientific Services Lanham, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2003 Air Force Maui Optical Station Technical Conference
Location: Maui, HI
Country: United States
Start Date: September 8, 2003
End Date: September 13, 2003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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