Satellite Laser Ranging

Staff: A. Novotný, J. Blažej, M. Čech, K. Hamal, H. Jelínková, I. Procházka
Tel/Fax: +420 603218712
e-mail: novotny@troja.fjfi.cvut.cz


The group headed by K. Hamal was formed in 1972 to support the satellite laser ranging activity. Within the Interkosmos group it significantly contributed to the formation of the global Satellite Laser Ranging Network. Currently, the group operates the satellite laser station (SLR) in Helwan - Egypt. The SLR station at Helwan was set up under a joint program with NRIAG - Egypt, CTU FNSPE - Czech, Astronomical Council - Russia and SAO - USA. The ranging precision has been continually improved from the original value of several meters down to a centimeter level in the nineties. The Helwan site is an important station in the SLR network the only SLR station on the African continent with a measurement record of more than 20 years..

The Raman picoseconds laser generation and photon counting in the near infrared is investigated for eye safe laser ranging. Multiple wavelengths laser ranging is exploited for atmospheric studies.


Projects supported by grants


List of Selected Publications and Conference Contributions

  1. Procházka, I.: SPAD based SLR systems calibration scheme recommendation [Invited Lecture]. EurOpto EOS/SPIE Symposium on Remote Sensing. 1999-09-23

  2. Procházka, I. - Novotný, A.: Ground target calibration scheme, SLR station Helwan [Invited Lecture]. EurOpto EOS/SPIE Symposium on Remote Sensing. 22.09.1999.

  3. Čech, M. - Hamal, K. - Jelínková, H. - Novotný, A. - Procházka, I. - Helali, Y. - Tawadros, M: Upgrading of the Helwan Laser Station (1997-1998). In: Proceedings 11th International Workshop on Laser Ranging. Vol 2. Frankfurt am Main: Verlag des Bundesamtes für Kartographie und Geodasie, 1999, p. 197-200. - ISBN 3-88648-094-1

  4. Novotný, A.: Human Factor as an Important Phenomenon of GLOBAL SLR Network. In: Proceedings 11th International Workshop on Laser Ranging. Vol 2. Frankfurt am Main: Verlag des Bundesamtes für Kartographie und Geodasie, 1999, p. 317-319. - ISBN 3-88648-094-1

  5. Procházka, I.: Differential Satellite Laser Ranging SLR System Diagnostics Tool. In: Proceedings 11th International Workshop on laser Ranging. Vol. 2. Frankfurt am Main: Verlag des Bundesamtes fur Kartographie und Geodasie. 1999. p. 660-663. - ISBN 3-88648-094-1

  6. Čech, M.: Laser Radar Control System. In: Proceedings of Workshop 2000. Prague: CTU, 2000, vol. A, p. 220. ISBN 80-01-02229

  7. Novotný, A. - Čech, M. - Jelínková, H. - Hamal, K. - Procházka, I. - Helali, Y. - Khalil, K.- Tawadros, M.: Satellite Laser Ranging Station Helwan as a Part of the Global Network, International Projects in Earth Science and Astronomy. In: Proceedings of Workshop 2000. Prague: CTU, 2000, vol. A, p.196. ISBN 80-01-02229