Author Topic: Accidental illumination of other satellites  (Read 6516 times)

February 12, 2024, 09:52:38 AM

danielhampf

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Accidental illumination of other satellites
« on: February 12, 2024, 09:52:38 AM »
Hello all,

I keep being asked (every few years or so), if there is a danger of our ranging laser accidently hitting another satellite. Of course we know what we are tracking, and if we are not tracking, the laser is off.

But- satellites may pass in front of each other. Some random third-party satellite may be caught in the beam.

Has anybody ever made a study on this? What is the likelyhood? Especially with stronger laser for space debris or the moon, I suppose you really don't want to catch a down-looking Earth observation or spy satellite?

Thanks!
Daniel