Long Range Optical Navigation

The large effective cross-section at optical wavelengths, of even small retroflectors makes them an attractive option for long distance ranging. Visidyne proposes to demonstrate, using an innovative combination of newly available optical component technologies, and advanced signal processing, the capability to range, measure range rate and bearing to a target satellite from initial acquisition to the docking phase. Unique about the proposed concept is that it can be optimized for a wide range of update rates from the very low at long distances to high during the critical docking phase.