US/Russian microsatellite for calibrating active ground-based optical collectors

Lyle G. Finkner; Jerry J. Sellers; James R. Rotge; David G. Voelz; Victor D. Shargorodsky; Valeriy V. Shevchenko; Vladimir P. Vasiliev

doi:10.1117/12.373214

28 December 1999 US/Russian microsatellite for calibrating active ground-based optical collectors

Lyle G. Finkner, Jerry J. Sellers, James R. Rotge, David G. Voelz, Victor D. Shargorodsky, Valeriy V. Shevchenko, Vladimir P. Vasiliev

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3870, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites III; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.373214
Event: Remote Sensing, 1999, Florence, Italy

Abstract

For many years, the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has developed algorithms and researched methods for optical tracking and imaging space objects. This effort has been partly limited by the lack of a calibrated on- orbit 'proof' object that can be used to reliably compare predictions to observations. In 1996, AFRL scientists began discussing this problem with the Scientific Research Institute for Precision Device Engineering of the Space Device Engineering Corporation (SDEC), Moscow, Russia. SDEC's own research in this area has been similarly limited. As a result of these discussions, and as a spin-off from related research conducted under AFRL contract, SDEC has constructed a small instrument that can fulfill the role of a non-orbit proof instrument. This free-flying passive satellite, named REFLECTOR, is designed using 32 corner cube retro-reflectors on a simple aluminum frame to ensure reliable return when illuminated from any angle. It is approximately 2 m high and 1 m wide at the base with a mass of only 6 kg. The REFLECTOR satellite has been built and is scheduled for launch as a secondary payload in December 1999. Once deployed, into its near sun-synchronous orbit, it will be observable from any location on Earth. It will be possible to passively acquire and track the satellite (using reflected sunlight) with a telescope as small as 10 cm in diameter. Because the retro- reflectors on the satellite return a large signal, laser tracking and imaging experiments can be done from the ground using small, laboratory-sized lasers. REFLECTOR will provide a 'proof instrument' that will allow the U.S. Air Force and others to test various atmospheric correction techniques.

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Lyle G. Finkner, Jerry J. Sellers, James R. Rotge, David G. Voelz, Victor D. Shargorodsky, Valeriy V. Shevchenko, and Vladimir P. Vasiliev "US/Russian microsatellite for calibrating active ground-based optical collectors", Proc. SPIE 3870, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites III, (28 December 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.373214

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KEYWORDS

Satellites

Reflectors

Retroreflectors

Satellite imaging

Space telescopes

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