Laser optical tracking technology for space debris monitoring

Abstract

In this paper, we report on the progress that recently has been achieved at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the development of technology for optical monitoring and laser ranging of debris objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). We are developing and operating laser optical ground stations as research testbeds, with the future goal to provide technology that can be used as part of a globally distributed sensor network to monitor artificial Earth orbiting objects with high accuracy. In addition, relevant use cases that can be addressed with such laser optical ground stations are being discussed, taking into account existing sensors.