Laser Radar for Scientific Space Applications

R. Flatscher, A. Ullrich & G.-J. Ulbrich

Active optical sensors based on laser light are key devices for range measurement in space. Laser radars employing the time-of-flight technique cover applications spanning the entire ranging distance spectrum, from topographic mapping to rover navigation. A laser radar programme initiated back in 1991 for the development of key technologies and techniques has yielded several novel concepts and demonstrators. Both mechanically scanned sensors and very fast non-scanning devices have been investigated and breadboarded.

With the recent delivery of the Active Surface Imaging System (ASIS) and test-bed, another major milestone has been achieved in sensor technology by combining fast image acquisition and broad range together with high spatial resolution. ASIS can capture 300 x 300 pixel images over a 60 deg x 60 deg scan range within 15 seconds. As a commercial spin-off, industrial devices have confirmed the design’s potential for further extending the scanning range up to 80 deg x 340 deg, with a typical working distance of a few hundred metres.