Earth-to-geosynchronous satellite laser beam transmission

Some experimental results for detection of a ground-based laser beacon by a geosynchronous satellite are reported. A 50-cm diam telescope and silicon intensifier tube camera were used for optical observation of the satellite. The transmitted argon laser beam was detected by the visible channel of a radiometer on board the Japanese Geostationary Meteorological Satellite. Two activities, (1) orbit prediction correction using optical observation and (2) detection of the earth laser beacon by the radiometer, are described.