Characters of laser ranging on inter-satellite relative position measurement

More and more technology innovation and evolution have been used on the small satellite for remote measurement, target searching and tracking missions being performed in space. To achieve relative navigation, relative control intelligently, or to implement some important missions, inter-satellite relative position must be known. In this paper, the measurement procedures of relative position are given. To get precise result of inter-satellite relative position under some specific conditions, laser ranging method should be considered. And the laser ranging method is one of the most valuable methods which should be considered. The principles of laser ranging means and characters of that in space are discussed. Some analysis of this mean is presented. Because of the laser ranging specific characters of application in small satellites formation-flying, some conclusion of laser ranging method will not be suitable for usage in space. The difference of the measurement in space and that in general condition is discussed. Then the modified laser ranging method using code modulation is presented. While, this laser ranging method may require help of other means to achieve the continuous measurement of relative position in some specific missions. Finally, the outlook of the inter-satellite relative position measurement is represented.