A novel large area fan-shaped lidar sensor for space debris: laboratory demonstration and model validation

The feasibility of a novel lidar-based sensor for space debris detection is tested in a laboratory setting using a low-power transmitter and simplified receiver. The transmitter employs a Powell lens to spread transmitted laser light into an evenly distributed fan shape which detects particles or objects moving through the beam and measures their approximate size. Link budget calculations based on a theoretical model are validated. Additionally, several important considerations for future deployment on a satellite are identified.