Satellite identification and attitude measurement using a multi-reflector laser ranging beacon

Passive identification and attitude measurement of spacecraft are key challenges in space traffic management. Satellite laser ranging offers high accuracy, and using corner cube reflectors as passive beacons brings the benefits of light weight and long lifetime. Based on a specific L-shaped reflector layout and standard satellite laser ranging, we propose a satellite-ground method for simultaneous identification and attitude measurement. By treating the spaceborne reflector layout as both an identification code and baselines, the method derives identity and attitude information from range differences. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations validate the performance of the proposed L-shaped layout, and field experiments further verify its feasibility. This scheme offers a simple and effective engineering solution for traffic management of batch-manufactured and densely deployed satellites. Kai Tang, Chen Song and colleagues report a method using a specific L-shaped reflector layout and standard satellite laser ranging to simultaneously realize passive spacecraft identification and attitude measurement. The reflector scheme extracts satellite identity and attitude from range differences, and its reliability and practicality are confirmed via theoretical analysis, numerical simulations and field experiments.