HI-CLASS on AEOS: a large-aperture laser radar for space surveillance/situational awareness investigations

Mark A. Kovacs; Gordon L. Dryden; Richard H. Pohle; Kirstie Ayers; Richard A. Carreras; Linda L. Crawford; Russell Taft

doi:10.1117/12.455438

27 December 2001 HI-CLASS on AEOS: a large-aperture laser radar for space surveillance/situational awareness investigations

Mark A. Kovacs, Gordon L. Dryden, Richard H. Pohle, Kirstie Ayers, Richard A. Carreras, Linda L. Crawford, Russell Taft

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4490, Multifrequency Electronic/Photonic Devices and Systems for Dual-Use Applications; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.455438
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2001, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The Air Force Research Laboratory/Directed Energy Directorate (AFRL/DE) via the ALVA (Applications of Lidars for Vehicles with Analysis) program installed in late 2000 a wideband, 12 J 15 Hz CO₂ laser radar (ladar) on the 3.67 meter aperture AEOS (Advanced Electro-Optics System) telescope. This system is part of the Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS), on the summit of Haleakala, Maui, HI. This ladar adopts the technology successfully demonstrated by the first generation HI-CLASS (High Performance CO₂) Ladar Surveillance Sensor) operating on the nearby 0.6 meter aperture Laser Beam Director (LBD) and developed under the Field Ladar Demonstration program, jointly sponsored by AFRL/DE and the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command. The moderate power (approximately 180 watts) HI-CLASS/AEOS system generates multiple, coherent waveforms for precision satellite tracking and characterization of space objects for 1 m² targets at ranges out to 10,000 km. This system also will be used to track space objects smaller than30 cm at ranges to 2,000 km. A third application of this system is to provide data for developing satellite identification, characterization, health and status techniques. This paper will discuss the operating characteristics and innovative features of the new system. The paper will also review recent results in support of AF needs, demonstrations, experiments, as well as planned activities that directly support applications in the DoD, scientific, and commercial arenas.

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Mark A. Kovacs, Gordon L. Dryden, Richard H. Pohle, Kirstie Ayers, Richard A. Carreras, Linda L. Crawford, and Russell Taft "HI-CLASS on AEOS: a large-aperture laser radar for space surveillance/situational awareness investigations", Proc. SPIE 4490, Multifrequency Electronic/Photonic Devices and Systems for Dual-Use Applications, (27 December 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.455438

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