Relative distance measurements using inter-satellite optical communication links

Rashika Jain; Stefano Speretta; Dominic Dirk; Eberhard Gill

doi:10.1117/12.3001467

12 March 2024 Relative distance measurements using inter-satellite optical communication links

Rashika Jain, Stefano Speretta, Dominic Dirk, Eberhard Gill

Proceedings Volume 12877, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXVI; 128771O (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3001467
Event: SPIE LASE, 2024, San Francisco, California, United States

Conference Poster

Abstract

The need for higher data rates has transitioned the satellites towards laser communication, opening up new opportunities for inter-satellite distance measurements. The stringent requirements for space missions like gravimetry, formation flying, collision avoidance, and precise orbit determination require highly precise distance knowledge, which can be offered by lasers. The past and present missions depend on radio ranging and laser interferometers to achieve up to centimeter-order and picometer-order precision, respectively. However, these methods either require additional hardware or interfere with the communication data rates as the power available is shared between communication and ranging operations. Therefore, this research explores the potential of laser communication terminals in measuring the inter-satellite distance. Numerical simulations are performed to analyze the effect of the precision of inter-satellite distance measurements on atmospheric density estimation. The analysis shows that such range measurements can only improve atmospheric density estimates if the uncertainty in the drag coefficient can be reduced below the current range of 3-5%.

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Rashika Jain, Stefano Speretta, Dominic Dirk, and Eberhard Gill "Relative distance measurements using inter-satellite optical communication links", Proc. SPIE 12877, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXVI, 128771O (12 March 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3001467

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