1 kHz Burst-Mode Infrared 1,064 nm Picosecond Laser for Space Debris Laser Ranging

Space debris is a major concern for the development of human space activities and has a significant impact on space resources. This is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed by countries around the world. High-power picosecond lasers have been found to be effective in enhancing the detection range and accuracy of space targets. This technology can be used for collision warning of orbiting spacecraft, and removal of space debris. In fact, a kHz infrared ranging system for space debris has been successfully established by high-power burst-mode picosecond lasers. This system operates at a wavelength of 1,064 nm, a repetition rate of 1 kHz with 4 pulses in a burst, and an average power of 30 W. It has been able to obtain over 240 effective observation data points of space debris. The system has successfully detected targets at distances exceeding 1,700 km, with a best detection accuracy of 2 cm. Additionally, it has achieved a minimum equivalent radar cross section (1,000 km) of 0.04 m2. These results demonstrate the superiority of burst-mode picosecond lasers in the infrared band in terms of detection range. By improving the ranging accuracy to the decimeter level, this technology provides essential references for high-precision debris target measurements.