MONOPTEC Satellite Laser Ranging Projects

MONOPTEC has licensed Electro Optic Systems Pty Limited, to produce composite Fixed Shutter Domes (FSD) of 1.5-meter diameter and larger for simultaneous tracking of multiple satellites in Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR). The FSD is an enabling technology for all telescope enclosure applications from astronomy to SLR and beyond.

Modern SLR applications require kilohertz ranging with automated systems and single shot precision of a few mm. These systems must be eye safe, yet range reliably to geostationary satellites requiring 100 mJ class picosecond lasers. They also must track multiple satellite targets simultaneously.

The FSD is the only design which can accommodate an optical glass window to protect the SLR's interior environment while offering speed to acquire and track satellites. Window washing can be provided under the fixed shutter, making remote and robotic operations even more practical.

Keystone Project, Japan

Mt. Stromlo, SLR Observatory, Australia

+ SLR PROJECTS

Keystone

Electro Optic Systems PTY Limited, was contracted with Hitachi, Japan to supply four fixed ranging stations, each equipped with a fully sealed 4.5-meter composite Fixed Shutter Dome (FSD) and distributed around Tokyo, for the Project Keystone which opened in May of 1997. The design of the FSD was licensed from MONOPTEC of San Francisco.

The prime goal of Project Keystone is to monitor the crustal deformation of the Tokyo region with the highest possible precision to provide input to earthquake prediction systems.

Mt. Stromlo

The Mt. Stromlo Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) facility is part of a worldwide network of approximately 42 SLR stations with only six located in the southern hemisphere. The Mt. Stromlo facility is one of two SLR units managed by Geoscience Australia and currently operated under contract by Electro Optic Systems (EOS). The Mt. Stromlo facility is newly built after being destroyed in the January 2003 bush fires that swept across two thirds of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The official opening was on 1 April 2004, and after further testing and validating, became operational on 1 December 2004.

At the Mt. Stromlo site there are also GPS and GLONASS receivers along with a DORIS transmitter and time reference equipment.