A correction method of encoder bias in satellite laser ranging system

Abstract

In a satellite laser ranging telescope system, well-aligned encoders of the elevation and azimuth axes are essential for tracking objects. However, it is very difficult and time-consuming to correct the bias between the absolute-position indices of the encoders and the astronomical coordinates, especially in the absence of a finder scope for our system. To solve this problem, a method is presented based on the phenomenon that all stars move anti-clockwise around Polaris in the northern hemisphere. Tests of the proposed adjustment procedure in a satellite laser ranging (SLR) system demonstrated the effectiveness and the time saved by using the approach, which greatly facilitates the optimization of a tracking system.

Keywords

• correction
• encoder index
• telescope
• satellite laser ranging