10.23  Mcps laser pseudo-code ranging system with 0.33  mm (1σ) pseudo-range measurement precision.

Area of Science:

• Space Technology
• Optical Communications
• Satellite Networks

Background:

• Inter-satellite laser links are vital for future space information networks, requiring precise ranging and communication.
• Pseudo-code correlation technology offers a robust method for inter-satellite laser ranging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and enhance the range precision of inter-satellite laser ranging using pseudo-code correlation technology.
• To analyze the factors affecting ranging precision, particularly phase detector uncertainty and sampling depth.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a dual one-way ranging architecture to eliminate clock errors between transceivers.
• Analyzed phase detector uncertainty considering carrier-to-noise ratio and ranging code rate limitations.
• Conducted optical fiber channel experiments to evaluate the impact of sampling depth on ranging precision.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a high pseudo-range measurement precision of 0.33 mm (1σ) with a sampling depth of 1.6 Mb.
• Validated the relationship between sampling depth and phase detector uncertainty.
• Achieved precision equivalent to 0.0001 times code subdivision of a 10.23 Mcps pseudo-code.

Conclusions:

• Pseudo-code ranging architecture is suitable for inter-satellite laser communication links.
• Optimizing sampling depth is critical for achieving high-precision inter-satellite laser ranging.
• The achieved precision provides a foundational capability for advanced inter-satellite laser links.