Optical communication and navigation for spacecraft docking using modulating retroreflectors

Linda M. Wasiczko; Harris R. Burris; N. Glenn Creamer; Rita Mahon; Christopher Moore; Lee Swingen; James Murphy; Mena Stell; Brad E. Pinney; Peter Goetz; William J. Scharpf; William S. Rabinovich; G. Charmaine Gilbreath

doi:10.1117/12.621747

12 September 2005 Optical communication and navigation for spacecraft docking using modulating retroreflectors

Linda M. Wasiczko, Harris R. Burris, N. Glenn Creamer, Rita Mahon, Christopher Moore, Lee Swingen, James Murphy, Mena Stell, Brad E. Pinney, Peter Goetz, William J. Scharpf, William S. Rabinovich, G. Charmaine Gilbreath

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5892, Free-Space Laser Communications V; 58920E (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621747
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

An optical communications link is used to transmit important navigation and range information between two spacecraft platforms to aid in the spacecraft docking process. This experiment uses NRL's multiple quantum well modulating retroreflector (MRR) array as the light payload optical communications transmitter on the target spacecraft. Spacecraft navigation information is determined by using the MRR array to impose five distinct modulation frequencies on the optical transmit beam, and analyzing the received signal on the pursuer spacecraft to extract target attitude and range information. Design, architecture, and status of the experiment at NRL are discussed.

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Linda M. Wasiczko, Harris R. Burris, N. Glenn Creamer, Rita Mahon, Christopher Moore, Lee Swingen, James Murphy, Mena Stell, Brad E. Pinney, Peter Goetz, William J. Scharpf, William S. Rabinovich, and G. Charmaine Gilbreath "Optical communication and navigation for spacecraft docking using modulating retroreflectors", Proc. SPIE 5892, Free-Space Laser Communications V, 58920E (12 September 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621747

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