LIDAR design for space situational awareness

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is a growing concern for National Security. Among the many methods of increasing SSA is the use of space-based Laser Imaging, Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) sensors to detect, track, classify or image other spacecraft. This Thesis explores the unique trade-spaces and design decisions faced by an engineer designing such a system. It provides an overview of the basic operational principles, the major components, the impact of one design choice on all other decisions, and guidelines for making design choices when designing a space based LIDAR for Space Situational Awareness applications. System operational constraints, demands on the host spacecraft, and potential impacts on other spacecraft are explored. Finally, an illustrative system design is presented, demonstrating the interaction between system requirements, system design, and component selection.

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Gast, David W.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Agrawal, Brij N.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/3994

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/3994