Session
Technical Session V: Instrumentation & Sensors
Abstract
An elastic backscattering lidar is being built for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) to fly on a MSTI (Miniature Seeker Technology Integration) satellite in low-earth orbit. The purpose of this payload is to demonstrate the capability of a space-based lidar on a small satellite to track Theater Ballistic Missiles (TMDS) in both the boost and post-boost phases. This is a fast-track program to design, construct, and test the lidar payload in a two-year time span. System requirements which are based on calculated and measured plume lidar data will be presented for this approximately 100 kg payload. Details of the lidar subsystems, which include a Nd:YAG; diode-pumped laser; a 76-cm light collection telescope, an avalanche photodiode detector; and an R3081 microprocessor-based payload controller will be described. Finally, planned mission scenarios will be discussed.
Elastic Backscattering Lidar for a MSTI Satellite
An elastic backscattering lidar is being built for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) to fly on a MSTI (Miniature Seeker Technology Integration) satellite in low-earth orbit. The purpose of this payload is to demonstrate the capability of a space-based lidar on a small satellite to track Theater Ballistic Missiles (TMDS) in both the boost and post-boost phases. This is a fast-track program to design, construct, and test the lidar payload in a two-year time span. System requirements which are based on calculated and measured plume lidar data will be presented for this approximately 100 kg payload. Details of the lidar subsystems, which include a Nd:YAG; diode-pumped laser; a 76-cm light collection telescope, an avalanche photodiode detector; and an R3081 microprocessor-based payload controller will be described. Finally, planned mission scenarios will be discussed.
