Detection Capability Analysis of Space Debris Laser Ranging

Detecting space debris using laser ranging technique is a new developing trend in the world. Based on the current international and domestic development and future detection requirements of space debris laser ranging, this paper calculates and analyzes the relationship between telescope aperture size, laser pulse energy, repetition frequency, space debris size and height. The analysis indicates that the capability of space debris laser ranging can be improved effectively with high power laser and large aperture telescope. In order to meet the requirements of detecting small space debris (debris size as 20cm or so), laser with energy between 2J to 3J and repetition frequency in 100Hz working with a telescope larger than 1.2m is recommended.