Work

Satellite identification and attitude measurement using a multi-reflector laser ranging beacon

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Passive identification and attitude measurement of spacecraft are key challenges in space traffic management. Satellite laser ranging offers high accuracy, and using corner cube reflectors as passive beacons brings the benefits of light weight and long lifetime. Based on a specific L-shaped reflector layout and standard satellite laser ranging, we propose a satellite-ground method for simultaneous identification and attitude measurement. By treating the spaceborne reflector layout as both an identification code and baselines, the method derives identity and attitude information from range differences. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations validate the performance of the proposed L-shaped layout, and field experiments further verify its feasibility. This scheme offers a simple and effective engineering solution for traffic management of batch-manufactured and densely deployed satellites. Kai Tang, Chen Song and colleagues report a method using a specific L-shaped reflector layout and standard satellite laser ranging to simultaneously realize passive spacecraft identification and attitude measurement. The reflector scheme extracts satellite identity and attitude from range differences, and its reliability and practicality are confirmed via theoretical analysis, numerical simulations and field experiments.

Source: Communications Engineering

DOI: 10.1038/s44172-026-00775-5

Authors: Kai Tang, Chen Song, Huarong Deng, Renfang Geng, Zhibo Wu, Haifeng Zhang

Institutions: Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Purple Mountain Observatory

Language: English

Topic: Space Satellite Systems and Control

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,190

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences