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Dual-comb absolute ranging reaches orbit
Yuxuan Ma1,2, Yingying Gu3, Siyu Zhou1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Light, Science & Applications
|April 20, 2026
Summary
A new space metrology system successfully operated for months on the Tiangong space station. This dual-comb absolute-ranging payload achieved 13µm precision for space applications.
Area of Science:
- Space Science
- Optical Metrology
- Astronomy
Background:
- Accurate distance measurements are crucial for space missions.
- Previous metrology systems faced limitations in space environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate sustained on-orbit operation of a dual-comb absolute-ranging payload.
- To advance traceable space metrology for future space applications.
Main Methods:
- A dual-comb absolute-ranging payload was delivered to the Tiangong space station.
- The system performed interferogram acquisition in an extravehicular environment.
Main Results:
- Sustained on-orbit interferogram acquisition was achieved.
- The system demonstrated 13µm precision at a 1kHz update rate.
- Stable operation was maintained over several months.
Conclusions:
- The dual-comb payload is suitable for long-term space metrology.
- This technology supports formation flying and deployable observatories.
- Traceable space metrology capabilities have been significantly advanced.
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