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The next generation of satellite laser ranging systems

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Abstract

Satellite laser ranging (SLR) stations in the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS) global tracking network come in different shapes and sizes and were built by different institutions at different times using different technologies. In addition, those stations that have upgraded their systems and equipment are often operating a complementary mix of old and new. Such variety reduces the risk of systematic errors across all ILRS stations, and an operational advantage at one station can inform the direction and choices at another station. This paper describes the evolution of the ILRS network and the emergence of a new generation of SLR station, operating at kHz repetition rates, firing ultra-short laser pulses that are timestamped by epoch timers accurate to a few picoseconds. It discusses current trends, such as increased automation, higher repetition rate SLR and the challenges of eliminating systematic biases, and highlights possibilities in new technology. In addition to meeting the growing demand for laser tracking support from an increasing number of SLR targets, including a variety of Global Navigation Satellite Systems satellites, ILRS stations are striving to: meet the millimetre range accuracy science goals of the Global Geodetic Observing System; make laser range measurements to space debris objects in the absence of high optical cross-sectional retro-reflectors; further advances in deep space laser ranging and laser communications; and demonstrate accurate laser time transfer between continents.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge all the design, analysis, maintenance, development and operational work undertaken by the great number individuals in the global ILRS community now and over the history of laser ranging. This work ensures the highest quality data and products and the greatest impact from SLR.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NERC Space Geodesy Facility, Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN, UK

    Matthew Wilkinson

  2. FESG, Geodätisches Observatorium Wettzell, Technical University of Munich, Sackenrieder Str. 25, 93444, Bad Kötzting, Germany

    Ulrich Schreiber

  3. Czech Technical University in Prague, Brehova 7, 115 19, Prague, Czech Republic

    Ivan Procházka

  4. EOS Space Systems Pty. Ltd., 55a Monaro St, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620, Australia

    Christopher Moore

  5. Sigma Space Corporation, 4600 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD, 20706, USA

    John Degnan & Peter Dunn

  6. Space Research Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lustbuehelstrasse 46, 8042, Graz, Austria

    Georg Kirchner

  7. Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20030, China

    Zhang Zhongping

  8. Research-and-Production Corporation, Precision Systems and Instruments, 53 Aviamotornaya St, Moscow, Russia, 111024

    Victor Shargorodskiy & Mikhail Sadovnikov

  9. CNRS, Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, IRD, Géoazur, Université Côte d’Azur, 2130 route de l’ Observatoire, 06460, Caussols, France

    Clément Courde

  10. National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), 4-2-1 Nukui-Kita, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8795, Japan

    Hiroo Kunimori

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  1. Matthew Wilkinson
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Correspondence to Matthew Wilkinson.

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Wilkinson, M., Schreiber, U., Procházka, I. et al. The next generation of satellite laser ranging systems. J Geod 93, 2227–2247 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-018-1196-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-018-1196-1

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