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Satellite Laser Ranging
Contacts
Satellite Laser Ranging - Laser-based detection and removal of space debris

The constant increase in the amount of space debris poses a serious threat for active satellites and the International Space Station (ISS) because the debris remains in orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometres for decades up to centuries.

DLR researchers are working on several methods, e.g. a laser-based tracking method to determine the precise location of orbiting objects. Based on the position data, it is possible to calculate precise orbits of space debris that in turn enable efficient avoidance manoeuvres.

Credit DLR

APPARILLO (Autonomous Passive Optical Staring Of LEO Flying Objects)


APPARILLO is a system under development capable - independently of existing data bases and catalogs - detecting objects in the Earth orbit. This can be a first step to generate such a database. The APPARILLO can automatically acquire and process images of near-Earth space. Housed in a waterproof enclosure and equipped with extensive control and analysis software, the system can acquire and process data unattended.
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miniSLR®

miniSLR® - Compact Satellite Laser Ranging System


The miniSLR® system can be used to obtain millimetre-precise position data from satellites. These data have numerous applications in geodesy, Earth observation, satellite operation or space situational awareness (SSA). All that is required on the satellite is a lightweight and passive retro-reflector.
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Smart-Retro - Retroreflector for satellite laser ranging and identification


The Smart-Retro is a small and lightweight passive optical assembly that consists of a solid cornercube retroreflector and additional polarization optics. These assemblies can easily be integrated into all satellites including CubeSats and allow for a millimeter precise position measurement via satellite laser ranging (SLR).
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