LiDAR for Robust Exoatmospheric Positioning

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel active LiDAR-based method for precise exoatmospheric positioning, utilizing space-based IMDD LiDAR with orbital reflectors, offering advantages over traditional GPS/GNSS systems.

Contribution

The paper proposes a new active LiDAR technique for exoatmospheric positioning, combining space-based IMDD LiDAR with orbital reflectors for improved accuracy and robustness.

Findings

Method achieves high precision in exoatmospheric positioning

Requires manageable power levels for space-based systems

Offers advantages over GPS/GNSS in certain applications

Abstract

We present an active method for robust exoatmospheric positioning using space-based intensity modulated direct detection (IMDD) LiDAR with a spacecraft-based transmitter and receiver and a constellation of orbital reflectors. We discuss the precision of the method, the power requirements, the advantages of such a method over existing GPS/GNSS systems, and potential applications.