New laser measurement technology from the TU Graz: Precise control over space scrap

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The Technical University of Graz has made major progress in space research. A newly developed laser measurement technology now enables an previously unmatched accuracy in the tracking of space scrap and when analyzing water masses on earth. This innovative method could make a decisive contribution to security in space and progress in climate research.

With the technology called "Satellite Laser Ranging" (SLR), scientists can track the train of satellites and space scrap to a few centimeters. This precise method works by focusing laser beams from a floor station to reflectors on satellites. The time the light needs to return helps to determine the exact position of the satellites. This is particularly important because there are over 40,000 parts of space scrap in space.

advantages of the new technology

By combining SLR with other technologies, researchers can analyze the water masses on earth more precisely. According to Sandro Krauss from the TU Graz, the results of this combination are integrated in the open source software "Groops", which can be used free of charge by scientists worldwide.

The current situation in space is alarming: over 40,000 large scrap parts and about one million smaller pieces endanger the space travel significantly. These parts can reach speeds of up to 30,000 km/h, which makes even small fragments a serious threat to satellites and space vehicles. Previous radar measurements offer only an accuracy of about one kilometer, which makes the calculation and finding space scrap considerably more. With the new SLR technology, however, the accuracy can be improved to around 100 meters, and even more precise calculations are possible with repeated measurements.

Torsten Mayer-Gürr from the TU Graz emphasizes that the modeling takes into account all relevant forces, including the gravitational influences through large water masses. This progress could help minimize risks in orbit and to pursue space junk more effectively.

The importance of these developments for space research and climate science must not be underestimated. By precisely recording water masses and the minimization of space junk, the new technologies from the Graz University of Technology offer valuable approaches to overcome future challenges in these areas. For more information about this exciting technology and its possible uses, .