Analysis of Ground-Based Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) Response to Reconnaissance Satellite Observations of Regions of Interest

This study simulates scenarios involving the potential observation of domestic areas of interest by reconnaissance satellites passing over the Korean Peninsula and analyzes response strategies for each situation using the Geochang Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) system of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. We investigate how observation characteristics, such as the satellite's altitude and maximum off-nadir angle, influence the likelihood of observing domestic areas of interest and classify these possibilities into four scenarios (Case 0–3). For each case, we propose appropriate crisis alert levels and response strategies. In particular, we reassess the actual threat to domestic areas of interest by analyzing how resolution degradation, occurring when high-resolution reconnaissance satellites perform off-nadir observations, affects the validity of the observational data. This study emphasizes the need for effective response systems to global reconnaissance satellite threats and aims to provide valuable insights that could contribute to the development of complementary monitoring and response technologies in the future.