Calculation of laser radar cross-section of a spatial object and its experimental verification

Bidirectional reflectance distribution function of some artificial satellite used materials at the wavelength of 1.06 μm was measured in laboratory. Bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) models of these materials were established with the five-parameter BRDF model. Laser radar cross-section of a scaled satellite with various materials was calculated, and characteristics of laser radar cross-section of the satellite were discussed. Measurement system to measure laser radar cross-section of the satellite was established and the scaled satellite model was measured. By analyzing the measured data and calculated data, it can be clearly seen that the BRDF of the surface materials and the laser incidence angle are two of main influential factors of the scaled satellite’s laser radar cross-section. These works can provide a reference for design of the lidar system.