Capabilities of a nano-LIDAR for future reconnaissance missions to NEOs

Lewis Walker, Massimiliano Vasile

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

Abstract

In this paper we estimate by numerical modelling the maximum range capability of a CubeSat-borne laser rangefinder in fast asteroid flyby scenarios requiring high single pulse detection probabilities. The model is based around detected photon counts in a pair of Geiger mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APDs). Simulated datasets for fast flybys are generated by the model to assess performance. The model is also modified to assess the feasibility of performing radioscience measurements to determine asteroid mass, by measuring trajectory deflections on the order of ums-1 during a dual-spacecraft flyby. Similar datasets are generated by the model and filtered to simulate radioscience measurements. It was found that limits of detectability of the relative velocity using this method are on the order of 10ums-1
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages8
Publication statusPublished - 25 Oct 2019
Event70th International Astronautical Congress - Washington D.C., United States
Duration: 21 Oct 2019 → 25 Oct 2019
https://www.iac2019.org/

Conference

Conference70th International Astronautical Congress
Abbreviated titleIAC
CountryUnited States
CityWashington D.C.
Period21/10/19 → 25/10/19
Internet address

Fingerprint

Asteroids
Range finders
Avalanche photodiodes
Spacecraft
Photons
Trajectories
Lasers

Keywords

  • asteroid flyby
  • near Earth asteroids
  • CubeSat
  • LIDAR
  • formation flying

Cite this

Walker, L., & Vasile, M. (2019). Capabilities of a nano-LIDAR for future reconnaissance missions to NEOs. Paper presented at 70th International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States.
Walker, Lewis ; Vasile, Massimiliano. / Capabilities of a nano-LIDAR for future reconnaissance missions to NEOs. Paper presented at 70th International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States.8 p.
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Walker, L & Vasile, M 2019, 'Capabilities of a nano-LIDAR for future reconnaissance missions to NEOs', Paper presented at 70th International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States, 21/10/19 - 25/10/19.

Capabilities of a nano-LIDAR for future reconnaissance missions to NEOs. / Walker, Lewis; Vasile, Massimiliano.

2019. Paper presented at 70th International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States.

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

TY - CONF

T1 - Capabilities of a nano-LIDAR for future reconnaissance missions to NEOs

AU - Walker, Lewis

AU - Vasile, Massimiliano

PY - 2019/10/25

Y1 - 2019/10/25

N2 - In this paper we estimate by numerical modelling the maximum range capability of a CubeSat-borne laser rangefinder in fast asteroid flyby scenarios requiring high single pulse detection probabilities. The model is based around detected photon counts in a pair of Geiger mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APDs). Simulated datasets for fast flybys are generated by the model to assess performance. The model is also modified to assess the feasibility of performing radioscience measurements to determine asteroid mass, by measuring trajectory deflections on the order of ums-1 during a dual-spacecraft flyby. Similar datasets are generated by the model and filtered to simulate radioscience measurements. It was found that limits of detectability of the relative velocity using this method are on the order of 10ums-1

AB - In this paper we estimate by numerical modelling the maximum range capability of a CubeSat-borne laser rangefinder in fast asteroid flyby scenarios requiring high single pulse detection probabilities. The model is based around detected photon counts in a pair of Geiger mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APDs). Simulated datasets for fast flybys are generated by the model to assess performance. The model is also modified to assess the feasibility of performing radioscience measurements to determine asteroid mass, by measuring trajectory deflections on the order of ums-1 during a dual-spacecraft flyby. Similar datasets are generated by the model and filtered to simulate radioscience measurements. It was found that limits of detectability of the relative velocity using this method are on the order of 10ums-1

KW - asteroid flyby

KW - near Earth asteroids

KW - CubeSat

KW - LIDAR

KW - formation flying

M3 - Paper

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Walker L, Vasile M. Capabilities of a nano-LIDAR for future reconnaissance missions to NEOs. 2019. Paper presented at 70th International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States.

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    Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper