Optical tracking and alignment involves locating a communication target, directing a beam, and maintaining the optical connection while equipment moves. Engineers distinguish initial acquisition, ongoing tracking, precise pointing, and reacquisition after a dropout.
Research Background
NASA optical-communication studies have addressed pointing, tracking, and maintaining links when a light signal fades. A moving boat and a swimmer bobbing independently in waves present different challenges from spacecraft or laboratory demonstrations.
Questions to Investigate
- How could a boat locate a small optical receiver above the water without creating hazards?
- What happens when waves momentarily obscure a snorkel tip or the swimmer turns?
- How much does retroreflection simplify pointing at the swimmer’s end?
- How fast would reacquisition need to be, and could multiple swimmers share the equipment?