E.I. Starovoitov, S.A. Vorobyov

In recent years, on board the spacecraft for measurements are increasingly used laser devices. For the first time an cosmonaut used a laser rangefinder to determine the rate of convergence from a randomly oriented uncontrollable spacecraft in 1985. Given the positive results later in the composition of all Russian manned spacecraft was introduced laser rangefinder. At this point in our country and abroad developed laser system for measuring parameters of the relative approach of which to measure not only distance but also the speed, angular position and speed, as well as receive information on the shape and characteristics of the target surface. Is of great practical interest in installing such equipment on manned spacecrafts of a new generation. Prolonged exposure of spacecraft in the orbital stations, as well as projects interplanetary expeditions to the nearby celestial bodies, raise the question of efficiency of such equipment, which is subjected to prolonged exposure to external factors of space flight. Prolonged exposure to external factors of space flight can lead to deterioration of optical characteristics of the radiating elements and the failure of electronic components. The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance of laser emitters on board the International Space Station (ISS), who were long periods in space flight. On the basis of laboratory found that the laser emitters are detected by the onboard TV facilities. One of the authors developed a method of test control of laser emitting devices in space flight. From the Mission Control Center (MCC) was held test control of laser transmitters that are installed on the ISS. Work continued at RSC Energia, an integrated stand. The result was confirmed by the performance of laser-emitting devices under conditions of prolonged space flight on the Earth's orbit (more than 9 years) and obtained their images.