Control of the relative spatial position of structural elements, including transformable ones, using a laser measuring channel and wide-field retroreflectors

Subject of study. Laser systems with reference retroreflective elements are investigated to determine the spatial position of structural elements in optical-mechanical devices. Aim of study. The aim of the study was to develop a high-precision method and device utilizing a laser measuring channel for determining the spatial position of structural elements, including transformable ones. Method. The error in determining coordinates was reduced through the use of wide-field retroreflective elements with encoding features, digital registration, and processing of reflected signals. Main results. A laser control channel incorporating retroreflective elements was developed, enabling high-accuracy measurements of the spatial position of movable structural elements. A design scheme for retroreflective elements was proposed, which achieved retroreflective angles close to 180°. Encoding methods were also introduced to identify individual reference elements. Samples of retroreflective elements with verified design characteristics were produced. These solutions collectively enabled the development of laser control channels for the high-precision monitoring of the surface coordinates of structural elements, including transformable devices operating in outer space. Practical significance. The proposed retroreflective optical elements, featuring a large field of view and an identification system, facilitate the development of control channels with an error margin of up to 1.5 mm in determining spatial coordinates. This level of accuracy ensures the precise positioning of movable elements in spacecraft structures. The findings of the study contribute to the development and enhancement of existing techniques for monitoring the spatial positions of transformed structures using laser measuring channels, highlighting their practical applications.