Geometric Calibration and Validation of ZY3-02 Satellite Laser Altimeter System

The location accuracy of space-borne laser altimeters suffers from installation errors. Calibration could improve the positioning and height accuracy effectively based on the operation data of satellite in orbit. A novel calibration method is put forward for ZiYuan-3 (02) satellite (ZY3-02) laser altimeter that without waveform. In this approach, the error in the laser distance and positioning calibration is indicated by the terrain matching method. A test area with an exposed surface constrains the orbit laser ranging using SRTM-DEM data, and the initial calibration of the direction of the starter is obtained by approximating the terrain fluctuation trend line. The test results were verified; the relative pointing precision of different orbits data was 20 meters. A series of laser reflectors operated on the ground determine the surface radiometric intensity of the laser footprint. The calibration parameters compensate the laser positioning model; the height accuracy of the ZY3-02 satellite laser altimeter was 0.5 meter on a flat surface.