Feasibility of satellite tracking with a dual-wavelength laser ranging system

A spaceborne high-precision dual-wavelength laser ranging system is planned by ESA for the 1990s. It is likely to use an alexandrite crystal, at present the most interesting of the 'vibronic' class of lasers, as a source. In this paper we investigate the performance of such a system for ground- based low-orbit satellite tracking, paying specific attention to the energy requirements at the reference wavelengths of 760 and 380 nm. A comparison of the operating parameters for some existing laser stations and the projected system is reported.