Bidirectional scanning acquisition of inter-satellite laser links for space gravitational wave detection mission

Abstract

Space gravitational wave detection requires establishing laser links between distributed spacecraft for interferometry. Inter-satellite laser link acquisition is an essential step in this process. Considering the spacecraft’s miniaturization and reliability, a bidirectional scanning acquisition method is proposed using only field emission electric propulsion and quadrant photodetector. This method does not require additional acquisition sensors and actuators. To improve efficiency while ensuring the acquisition success rate, a constant angular velocity Archimedean spiral scanning guidance law is proposed, and the critical parameters that influence acquisition time and success rate are analyzed. Monte Carlo simulations show that the method can ensure an acquisition success rate of over 90%. Compared with constant linear velocity Archimedean spiral scanning, this method can reduce the acquisition time required to achieve the same success rate by 15%.