GROUND-BASED LASER RANGING SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION AND TRACKING OF ORBITAL DEBRIS

摘要

A ground-based laser ranging system and method are provided that enable meter-level or better ranging precision on optically passive 10-30 cm average-sized orbital debris targets. The system and method can improve current predictions by up to 85%. The improved location accuracy also provides the immediate benefit of reducing costly false alarms in collision predictions for existing assets and unidentified debris. The system can include one or more high power lasers that generate 1.5 μm wavelength laser pulses at 100 mJ pulse energies and at a repetition rate of from 10 Hz to 100 Hz.