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Calculation of distribution of effective reflection area for space-borne laser retro-reflector array

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Abstract

The effective area of space-borne laser retro-reflector directly influences the intensity of the return signals for satellite laser ranging. The configuration of the retro-reflector array determines the effective area. The formula for the effective area of the space-borne retro-reflector array with different inclination angles at arbitrary celestial zone was deduced in this paper. As an example, the calculation result about effective area for the retro-reflector array of the Shenzhou-IV orbital module was given.

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References

  1. Minott, P. O., Design of retro-director arrays for laser ranging of satellites, NASA TM-X-723-74-122, Goddard Space Flight Center, March 1974.

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  3. Fan Jianxing, Research on design and distribution effects of satellite laser retro-reflectors, PhD Dissertation, Zhejiang University, 2000.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200030, Shanghai, China

    Jingfu Hu, Xin Li, Fumin Yang, Wanzhen Chen & Zhongping Zhang

Authors
  1. Jingfu Hu
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  2. Xin Li
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  3. Fumin Yang
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  4. Wanzhen Chen
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  5. Zhongping Zhang
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fumin Yang.

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Hu, J., Li, X., Yang, F. et al. Calculation of distribution of effective reflection area for space-borne laser retro-reflector array. Sci China Ser G: Phy & Ast 47, 330–337 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1360/03yw0114

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1360/03yw0114

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