Analysis of Space-Based Lidar for Aircraft Tracking

摘要

This study is a general analysis of the feasibility of tracking aircraft from space using a laser radar or lidar. The basis for the analysis is the lidar range equation. Specific hardware is not discussed. A computer program was written to model the different parameters involved with the analysis. Atmospheric attenuation equations, which were developed from FASCODE data, define the atmospheric losses for two type of atmospheres (clear and haze). Other lidar range equation variables are either computed from input data or are directly inserted into the program for analysis. Four different types of lasers were investigated. The output data from the model was plotted to show the relationship of various input parameters with the power available at the receiver. The results indicate that lidar systems carried on low-earth orbiting satellites may have the potential to track aircraft. Further analysis is required to develop complete feasibility windows over a wider range of conditions. Theses. (rh)