High Accuracy and Multi-Target Acquisition, Pointing and Tracking under Satellite Micro-Vibrations

Abstract

The high precision multi-target acquisition, pointing and tracking (APT) technology under satellite micro-vibrations is urgently required with the increasing demand on space science missions. This paper thus presents one APT system simultaneously exhibiting the high accuracy and multi-target laser link functions. The performance of the APT system is investigated through verification simulation considering the influence of the carrier satellite. Furthermore, the prototype of the APT is developed, which consists of one target motion simulation unit and one acquisition, pointing and tracking unit. The prototype system can simulate multiple targets with the angle motion accuracy better than 0.081μrad, while the pointing and tracking accuracy of the prototype is better than 0.207μrad under the lab environment vibrations. The proposed ground experimental prototype system is greatly beneficial to enhance the ability to construct multiple space laser links over a long distance.