Short-range/long-range integrated target (SLIT) for video guidance sensor rendezvous and docking
A laser target reflector assembly for mounting upon spacecraft having a long-range reflector array formed from a plurality of unfiltered light reflectors embedded in an array pattern upon a hemispherical reflector disposed upon a mounting plate. The reflector assembly also includes a short-range reflector array positioned upon the mounting body proximate to the long-range reflector array. The short-range reflector array includes three filtered light reflectors positioned upon extensions from the mounting body. The three filtered light reflectors retro-reflect substantially all incident light rays that are transmissive by their monochromatic filters and received by the three filtered light reflectors. In one embodiment the short-range reflector array is embedded within the hemispherical reflector.
Inventors:
Fred D. Roe, Jr.
Thomas C. Bryan
Patent Number:
US7515257Patent Issue Date:
May 7, 2009Lab Representatives