Objectives
This operation, which lies at the heart of space and time metrology, consists of:
- Developing instrumentation for distance metrology using laser technology.
- Collecting data using this instrumentation on a continuous and sustainable basis.
- Analyze the data in near real time to monitor its quality and contribute to the calculation of reference systems.
Identity
- https://meo.cnrs.fr
- Coordination: Julien Chabé (OCA)
Data
The data produced by the OCA station are available in two databases:
- https://edc.dgfi.tum.de/en/stations/7845/
- https://cddis.nasa.gov/Data_and_Derived_Products/SLR/SLR_data_and_product_archive.html
OCA's involvement
Research and instrument development in optical metrology: The Côte d’Azur Observatory houses a laser ranging station—the MéO station—equipped with a 154-cm telescope capable of measuring distances with sub-centimeter precision to all satellites equipped with retroreflectors, as well as to the Moon and beyond. This station is part of the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS), which provides a laser satellite tracking service for geodesy, altimetry, and navigation (GNSS). The SNO therefore consists of daily observations of these satellites using the MéO station. In addition, using this instrument, the team is conducting R&D to improve measurements in terms of precision, accuracy, and range, as well as to explore alternative laser systems for distance measurement, time transfer, and data transmission.
OCA Staff Involved
Julien Chabé, Clément Courde, Mourad Aimar, Hervé Mariey, Grégoire Martinot-Lagarde, Nicolas Maurice, Bertrand Chauvineau, Julien Scariot, Nils Raymond.
Short-Term Needs and Outlook
There remains a significant need for observers (day and night, 5 days a week) to meet the growing demand for observations. There is also a need for instrumentation for distance metrology and time/frequency measurements. Qualifications on optical frequency combs are required to modernize the time-frequency laboratory an develop new technologies on laser ranging.