Scanning Time-of-flight Laser Sensor for Rendezvous Manoeuvres

Rendezvous and docking/berthing are key manoeuvers for various missions [1]. In those rendezvous phases where the accuracy of absolute navigation (e.g. by satellite navigation services like GPS or GLONASS) is no longer sufficient, sensors have to provide information about the relative position of active vehicle (chaser) and passive vehicle (target). Satellite navigation (differential GPS), radio frequency sensors and more often optical rendezvous sensors are used to perform the required measurements. Two types can be distinguished in the latter category: camera sensors (sometimes called videometers) and scanning laser range sensors (telegoniometers). Subsequently we present an already available, fully qualified sensor based on laser ranging developed for ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) and HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle) and we will describe possible improvements with respect to key features of the systems such as maximum target range by modifying some components of the already existing laser. Furthermore, we will address the usability of the existing and a future improved sensor for imaging applications