Current status of Korea's first SLR system development

Paper number

IAC-09.A6.P.5

Author

Dr. Jung Jo, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Korea, Republic of

Coauthor

Mr. Hyung-Chul Lim, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Korea, Republic of

Coauthor

Dr. Hong-Suh Yim, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Korea, Republic of

Year

2009

Abstract

With the successful funding efforts for the SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging) systems in 2007, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) launched the development project of two SLR systems in early 2008. Eventually, one mobile SLR system and one permanent SLR station will be developed with the completion of the project. The main objectives of these systems will be focused on the Space Geodetic researches. These systems will promote several research fields in Korea, such as precise orbit determination of satellite, determination of the Earth gravity map, Earth rotation parameter determination, space object tracking capability, space debris, etc. 

Five working groups were organized and had worked on the preliminary study of the major sub systems of the SLR system. A system requirement review (SRR) was held in the second half of the same year. Many loopholes were found and action items were issued after the internal review. The revision, confirmation, and finalization of SRR document will be continued until the beginning of the system design review (SDR) phase. The proposed date of SDR is set to April 30, 2009. For this SDR and other design reviews, many unsolved technical and engineering issues are currently discussed with Austrian and Chinese SLR experts. Several technical meetings are planned for the advices.

After the SDR, a preliminary design review and a critical design review will be held around second half of 2009 and first half of 2010 respectively. The budget profile of this project has been changed a lots except the total budget. The total project period might be changed too. However, the design of the mobile SLR system is a corner stone of whole project. Therefore we are maintaining the development schedule for design phase even we are experiencing budget profile problem currently. The difference between two SLR systems is intentionally minimal except the size and the operation concept. Thus KASI has been trying hard to get advice from experienced SLR experts in this first phase.

The noticeable characteristics of Korea’s first SLR system will be 1) use of light weight main mirror, 2) design of compact optical assembly, 3) use of KHz laser pulse, 4) use of commercial laser generator, 5) remote operation capability, 6) automatic tracking, 7) state of art operation system, etc. The completion of this project will make Korea contribute the international SLR and Space Geodesy communities.

Abstract document

IAC-09.A6.P.5.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-09.A6.P.5.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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