Lasers

Scope and Contents Student research paper by Major Paul S. Idell, USAF in satisfaction of the requirements for the Advanced Research Program elective. In this paper, Idell considered the application of laser imaging techniques from observatories on the ground, at sea, or in the air. Also found within this folder are Jarrett's initial application to the Advanced Research Program, proposed research prospectus, resume, and a report documentation page.Executive Summary: Current U.S. Department of Defense policy prohibits the laser illumination of any spacecraft without explicit permission to do so from the satellite's owner. This policy places limitations on the ability to evaluate emerging laser imaging technologies for routine surveillance and imaging of foreign spacecraft. The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate satellite imaging regimes which admit the application of ground-based laser imaging. To do this a review of pertinent aspects of space law, U.S. policies, and current DoD procedures for controlling the emission of laser energy into space is conducted. Next the laser illumination requirements for four proposed satellite imaging techniques are reviewed, and their threat to spacecraft components is assessed. From this assessment, it is concluded that while these laser imaging techniques present an in-band damage threat to many earth-viewing optical sensors, they do not threaten the normal operation of other, non-optical...