Challenges and progress with the development of a Lunar Laser Ranger for South Africa
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Challenges and progress with the development of a Lunar Laser Ranger for South Africa
Ludwig CombrinckRoelf Botha
Space Geodesy ProgrammeHartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory
In collaboration with Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur
18th International Workshop on Laser Ranging
- Pursuing Ultimate Accuracy & Creating New Synergies -
11-15 November 2013 Fujiyoshida, Japan
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Space Geodesy at HartRAOSLR, VLBI, GNSS, DORIS, Geophysical instruments….now LLR in developmentVLBI2010 2014-2016
MOBLAS-6, part of NASA SLR network, 100 mJ,200 pico-second pulse, precision about 1.5 cmCannot do Lunar Laser Ranging, system too weakand not designed for LLR
2 VLBI antennas, VLBI2010 antenna construction starting 2014
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No LLR currently in Southern Hemisphere;The SA LLR will be part of the GGOS networkand part of the NASA SLR network
• A Southern Hemisphere LLR will strengthen the geometry of the LLR network and should improve the determination of the orientation of the Moon
• A dual system S/LLR will provide added coverage of SLR data in an area very sparsely covered
• Currently 4 active LLR systems, 2 in development
Apache point
Active LLR systemIn development LLR system
The concept of an LLR for the southern Hemisphere was discussed at the13th
International ILRS Workshop (October 2002) in Washington at an LLR breakawaymeeting, where community support was given in principle. I had previouslydiscussed the idea with Etienne Samain (OCA, France). Originally I had tried t o obtain use of a 30” telescope at Sutherland, South Africa, proposal at SAAO meeting 26 April 2003.
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Ex-Observatoire de la Cote d’Azur 1-m SLR telescope
1-m SLRFTLRS
LLR
Removed 30 Aug 2005
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Overall design concept is software-centric
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Software design; shared memory concept
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Telescope housing•2.5 minutes to open and move away•Can be dismantled and moved to final location•Large enough to allow maintenance access via crane•All metal construction•Steel reinforced massive concrete floor•Housing runs on tracks via electrical motors•1 ton crane to remove gearbox and instruments
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‘Temporary foundation’• Telescope
housed in run-off enclosure
• Crane to assist in disassembly and refurbishment
• Totally nuts and bolts construction to facilitate future removal to appropriate site
• Stable and massive foundation for tests
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50 cubic metres of concrete…
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Run-off enclosure on steel tracks
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Tie to ITRF via GNSSMount installed 2 June 2011Much restoration work ahead!
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Gearboxes were removed, disassembled, refurbished, modern oil
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Tube has been restored
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All panels and Az-El mount repainted with heat reflecting paint
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Laser system by Cybioms Corporation100 mJ, 20 Hz, <80 ps; 1KHz, 0.5 mJa
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Testbed 12.5 cm f12.5 refractor (i.e. what my lunch times are spent on)
•Micro-processor controlled functions
•Dual servo control system, all software•in-house (or rather late-at-night)
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Main and secondary to be re-aluminized and coated
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Control centre based on 12 m shipping container; clean air filters
• Located next to MOBLAS-6
• Curved roof to provide shade
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Control centre designed for desert conditions
• Insulation panels fitted externally and internally
• Rubberised floor
• Dedicated air conditioner in laser room
• Positive air pressure to keep dust out
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UPS 20 KVA
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Control room
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Project completion 2015? 2016?Where will the system be located?
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Thank you!Acknowledgements
Thanks to the LOC for a fantastic workshop!
Projects such as these depend to a large extent on international collaboration. We specifically thank OCA (France), NASA (USA) and Cybioms Corporation (USA).
Funding received from the National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa, towards this project is appreciated. This work is based on research supported by NRF grant IFR2011041500034.