What is it about?
Orbits around Earth are becoming cluttered with space debris, raising concerns about future collisions. This paper examines whether a hypothetical laser rangefinder and mirror mounted on a satellite is capable of detecting space objects. This work is completed through analysis of typical laser rangefinder range equations and through simulations of search patterns.
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Why is it important?
We find that the specific analyzed system is not capable of detecting orbiting objects. However we do describe a set of procedures that has the potential to aid other laser systems attempting to detect orbiting objects, given high initial uncertainties.
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This page is a summary of: Feasibility of Space-Based Laser Ranging for Resident Space Object Detection, January 2025, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA),
DOI: 10.2514/6.2025-1163.
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