Abstract:
High-precision space debris observation data is of great significance for spacecraft collision early warning. Laser ranging technology is the most accurate technology in space target distance measurement at present, but there is no angle reflector device on most of space debris, and the echo signal of space debris laser ranging is weak. Array detection technology can improve the success probability of space debris laser ranging detection with weak echo signal. Yunnan Observatory of Chinese Academy of Sciences started to carry out space debris laser ranging test based on array detection technology in 2015, and successfully applied array detection technology such as array superconducting nanowire single photon detector and multi-channel event timer to laser ranging test system in 2017, 2×2 array laser ranging data were successfully collected in the space debris laser ranging test in March 2017, and 4×4 array laser ranging data were successfully collected in the space debris laser ranging test in March 2018. Among them, the minimum target detected was the space debris with orbit height of about 1 000 km and size of Radar Cross Section (RCS) 0.045 m
2; the farthest target detected was the space debris with oblique distance of about 5 000 km and size of RCS 18.25 m
2.