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Calibration Method for Large-Aperture Antenna Surface Measurement Based on Spatial Ranging Correction.
Xuesong Chen1,2,3, Yaopu Zou2,3, Changpei Han2,3
1University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 10, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel space ranging correction method to calibrate FMCW laser scanning systems for satellite antennas. The new calibration significantly improves distance accuracy and 3D point cloud fidelity.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Geodesy and Remote Sensing
- Aerospace Engineering
Background:
- High-precision measurement systems are crucial for satellite antenna calibration.
- Existing methods for FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) laser scanning systems face accuracy limitations.
- In-orbit calibration of large-aperture antennas for satellites like Fengyun-4 requires robust solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a space ranging correction method for FMCW laser scanning measurement systems.
- To address accuracy calibration issues in orbit for large-aperture satellite antennas.
- To improve the precision and reliability of 3D spatial measurements.
Main Methods:
- Established a comprehensive error model for the FMCW system, including 13 key parameters.
- Utilized a calibration field with a high-precision reference scale and planar targets.
- Applied spatial ranging correction and nonlinear least-squares optimization to estimate error parameters.
- Implemented and validated a calibration scheme across multiple operational conditions.
Main Results:
- Reduced the Root Mean Square (RMS) error in relative distance between two points from 17.5 mm to 2.3 mm.
- Achieved an ICP (Iterative Closest Point) registration residual for spatial point clouds of 2.5 mm.
- Improved point cloud shape fidelity by 86.6% post-calibration.
- Demonstrated the method's effectiveness and generalization capability.
Conclusions:
- The proposed space ranging correction method effectively calibrates FMCW laser scanning systems.
- The technique significantly enhances measurement accuracy and point cloud quality for satellite applications.
- This research offers a reliable approach for spatial 3D calibration of lidar systems.
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