Built by Neptec UK and Neptec Design Group, FLLS uses a retro-reflected laser beam to monitor the position of one satellite with respect to the other. Phase measurements of the reflected signal are used to compute the longitudinal displacement between the two satellites. The lateral displacement is measured from the position of the returning beam on a CMOS sensor. FLLS is currently in preliminary testing, in collaboration with Surrey Space Centre. To support the testing, the performance of the lateral system of FLLS has been modelled. A computational model of the full optical system has been produced, and several calibration routines have been tested on the modelled beam images. The results of these routines have enabled predicted preliminary performance analysis of the FLLS instrument. The paper and presentation will provide an overview of the method, model, and results of the preliminary performance modelling of FLLS. |
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