Capabilities of a nano-LIDAR for future reconnaissance missions to NEOs

Walker, Lewis and Vasile, Massimiliano (2019) Capabilities of a nano-LIDAR for future reconnaissance missions to NEOs. In: 70th International Astronautical Congress, 2019-10-21 - 2019-10-25.

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Abstract

In this paper we estimate by numerical modelling the maximum range capability of a CubeSat-borne laser rangefinder in fast asteroid flyby scenarios requiring high single pulse detection probabilities. The model is based around detected photon counts in a pair of Geiger mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APDs). Simulated datasets for fast flybys are generated by the model to assess performance. The model is also modified to assess the feasibility of performing radioscience measurements to determine asteroid mass, by measuring trajectory deflections on the order of ums-1 during a dual-spacecraft flyby. Similar datasets are generated by the model and filtered to simulate radioscience measurements. It was found that limits of detectability of the relative velocity using this method are on the order of 10ums-1

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