STARSAT: A Project To Evaluate Ground Tracking of Small Objects in Space (MSFC Center Director’s Discretionary Fund Final Report, Project No. 00–11)

A laser space calibration experiment is considered using the 12-J, 15-Hz high-performance CO2 ladar surveillance sensor (HI-CLASS) system on the 3.67-m aperture advanced electro-optics system (AEOS). The objectives are to provide accurate range and signature measurements of orbiting calibration spheres, demonstrate high-resolution tracking capability of small objects, and precision drag determination for low-Earth orbit (LEO). Ancillary benefits include calibrating radar and optical sites, completing satellite conjunction analyses, supporting orbital perturbation analyses, and comparing radar and optical signatures. A global positioning system (GPS), laser beacon instrumented microsatellite about 25 cm in diameter will be deployed from a Space Shuttle Hitchhiker canister or other suitable launch means. Orbiting in LEO, the microsatellite will pass over AEOS on the average of two times per 24-hr period. An onboard orbit propagator will activate the GPS unit and a visible laser beacon at the appropriate times. The HI-CLASS AEOS will detect the microsatellite as it rises above the horizon, using Space Command-generated acquisition vectors. GPS data will be transmitted to the ground providing independent on-orbit, submeter accuracy location information for the microsatellite.