Numerical Analysis Study of the Effectiveness of Laser Ranging for Artificial Earth Satellites in Elliptical Orbits
A mathematical model of laser ranging of artificial Earth satellites (AES) located in elliptical orbits, has been built. The carried out numerical analysis of the model showed that the centers of the spots formed on the Earth’s surface by AES light pulses reflected from the retroreflector, are located at significant distances, in the range of 300 to 1400 meters, far from the laser station. Therefore, when AES in elliptical orbits are being ranged, it is necessary to separate the receiving telescope from the laser station, make it movable by placing it on a moving platform, and move it, following the centers of the reflected pulse spots. This enables to significantly increase the distance of AES ranging, since the light energy flux received by a moving telescope is hundreds of times greater than the flux of energy received by the stationary telescope of the laser station.