Modeling and Simulation of a Laser Ranging Interferometer Acquisition and Guidance Algorithm

A novel acquisition algorithm sequence for the establishment of an optical intersatellite link is described. The acquisition algorithm is based on a differential-speed spatial domain scan and a frequency domain scan. Experimental results obtained using a digital simulator highlight the reliability of the algorithm always locking the signal, regardless of the initial spatial and frequency conditions. The results are tailored for the laser ranging instrument technology demonstration that is going to be implemented for the GRACE Follow-On mission as an example application. Nevertheless, with a proper tuning of the algorithm parameters, it is possible to study a general optical intersatellite acquisition process.