MULTIPLE TARGET TRACKING AND TARGET ATTITUDE

Title:
DETERMINATION WITH A SCANNING LASER RADAR
Author: T. Flom and D. Coombes
Issue: Vol. 21 No. 4, 1974
Page(s): 298 - 309
Flom, T., Coombes, D., "MULTIPLE TARGET TRACKING AND TARGET
Cite this
ATTITUDE DETERMINATION WITH A SCANNING LASER RADAR",
article:
NAVIGATION, Vol. 21, No. 4, Winter 1974-1975, pp. 298-309.
Abstract: A Scanning Laser Radar that can acquire and track single or multiple targets
has recently been developed. Scan patterns have been designed for acquisition
and tracking of one or more targets using a narrow laser beam. A
synchronously scanned transmitter-receiver is used to acquire and track targets
anywhere in a 376 x 376 element raster covering a 30” x 30’ field. All scan
patterns are electronically programmed and the system automatically acquires
and tracks the target or targets without the aid of an operator. The maximum
tracking rate is 1.0 deg/sec (10.0 deg/sec) when used with a 1 kHz (10 kHz)
scan rate. The estimated free space range against passive cooperative targets
(corner cube reflectors) is 30 nautical miles. The laser radar has an accuracy of
10 centimeters (range) and 0.05 degrees (angle). The developmental system is
relatively small (1.5 cu. ft.), lightweight (60 pounds) and low power-consuming
(60 watts). The developmental Scanning Laser Radar was designed primarily
for future rendezvous and docking applications. The multiple target capability
is uniquely used here to determine the relative attitude of a passive cooperative
target vehicle so that the docking axes of the two spacecraft can be properly
oriented. For docking maneuvers, the laser radar measures the line-of-sight
range and angles to four separate reflectors located on the target vehicle. This
range and angle information is then used to calculate the relative pitch, yaw,
and roll angles between the docking axes of the respective vehicles. Using this
measurement’ technique, the attitude can be determined to better than one
degree. The results of an example calculation are included here to illustrate the
technique.