Savchuk

The purpose of this paper is to analyze possibilities and select laser sources for onboard laser ranging systems (LLS) of space vehicles designed to locate by a diffusely reflected signal and corner reflectors (CR). Characteristics of semiconductor, solid-state and fiber lasers were presented. Energy evaluation of range capability of onboard LLS in pulsed and continuous radiation modes using lasers of different types was conducted.  It was shown that increase in range capability of onboard LLS by a diffusely reflected signal up to 10 km was provided with the use of fiber lasers, and for the range capability of more than 10 km usage of solid-state lasers was required. Influence of corner reflector parameters on the range capability of LLS was estimated. The obtained results could be used in development of onboard LSS for innovative space vehicles.

The aim of this work is to optimize parameters of onboard laser ranging systems (LRS) in order to control rendezvous and docking of spacecraft. Systematic analysis of the factors that have to be considered when developing onboard laser ranging systems of spacecraft was carried out. The authors developed a computer program designed to simulate characteristics of onboard laser ranging systems with different values of their parameters. The authors solved the problem of multi-criteria optimization of parameters of laser ranging systems by criteria of maximum range and safe viewing distance. Use of Pareto optimization provides a set of solutions from which developers can choose the most suitable for technical implementation.