Weston Marlow, MIT, Ashley Carlton, MIT, Hyosang Yoon, MIT, James Clark, MIT, Christian Haughwout, MIT, Kerri Cahoy, MIT, Jared Males, University of Arizona, Laird Close, University of Arizona, Katie Morzinski, University of Arizona
Keywords: adaptive optics, cubesats, space situational awareness, GEO imaging, low cost
Abstract:
In this study, we assess the utility of using a maneuverable nanosatellite laser guidestar from a geostationary equatorial orbit to enable ground-based, adaptive optics imaging of geosynchronous satellites with next-generation extremely large telescopes. The concept for a satellite guide star was rst discussed in the literature by Greenaway in the early 1990s, and expanded upon by Albert in 2012. With a satellite-based laser as an adaptive optics guidestar, the source laser does not need to scatter, and is well above atmospheric turbulence. When viewed from the ground through a turbulent atmosphere, the angular size of the satellite guidestar is much smaller than a back-scattered source. Advances in small satellite technology and capability allow us to revisit the concept on a 6U CubeSat, measuring 10 cm by 20 cm by 30 cm. We show that a system that uses a satellite-based laser transmitter can be relatively low power (1 W transmit power), operated intermittently, and requires little propellant to relocate within the geosynchronous belt. We present results of a design study on the feasibility of a small satellite guidestar and highlight the potential benets to the space situational awareness community.
Date of Conference: September 20-23, 2016
Track: Poster