Modulating retroreflectors for space, tracking, acquisition, and ranging using multiple quantum well technology

G. Charmaine Gilbreath; N. Glenn Creamer; William S. Rabinovich; Timothy J. Meehan; Michael J. Vilcheck; John A. Vasquez; Rita Mahon; Eun Oh; Peter G. Goetz; Sharon Mozersky

doi:10.1117/12.465903

9 December 2002 Modulating retro-reflectors for space, tracking, acquisition, and ranging using multiple quantum-well technology

G. Charmaine Gilbreath, N. Glenn Creamer, William S. Rabinovich, Timothy J. Meehan, Michael J. Vilcheck, John A. Vasquez, Rita Mahon, Eun Oh, Peter G. Goetz, Sharon Mozersky

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4821, Free-Space Laser Communication and Laser Imaging II; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.465903
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2002, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

This paper describes a novel concept for optical interrogation, communication, and navigation between spacecraft platforms. The technique uses a gimbaled laser source on a pursuer spacecraft and an array of solid-state, multiple quantum well modulating retroreflectors on a target spacecraft. The sensor system provides high-bandwidth optical communication, centimeter-level relative positioning, and better than arc-minute-level relative attitude of the target platform with minimal sacrifice in target size, weight, and power. To accomplish the relative navigation, each target retroreflector return is modulated with a unique code sequence, allowing for individual discrimination of the detected composite signal at the pursuer location. Experimental results using a dual-platform, multi-degree-of-freedom testbed provide verification and demonstration of the concept, highlighting its potential for applications such as inter-spacecraft rendezvous and capture, long-baseline space interferometry, and formation flying.

Citation Download Citation

G. Charmaine Gilbreath, N. Glenn Creamer, William S. Rabinovich, Timothy J. Meehan, Michael J. Vilcheck, John A. Vasquez, Rita Mahon, Eun Oh, Peter G. Goetz, and Sharon Mozersky "Modulating retro-reflectors for space, tracking, acquisition, and ranging using multiple quantum-well technology", Proc. SPIE 4821, Free-Space Laser Communication and Laser Imaging II, (9 December 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.465903

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