Physics Commons^™

Analysis Of Space To Ground Ladar Performance With Non-Traditional Optics, Prayant P.S. Hanjra

Theses and Dissertations

Two major obstacles to space-based LADAR systems are low power returns from targets and limitations on size and weight for transporting large optics into orbit. Signals incur significant losses during roundtrip propagation through the atmosphere and from diffuse scattering off of targets. Models, such as the Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) simulator and High Energy Laser End to End Operational Simulation (HELEEOS) can predict these losses due to the atmosphere and optical components for a variety of atmospheric and environmental conditions across the globe. A transmissometer is used to validate these models. These losses are used to determine …