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- This topic has 17 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 3 months, 4 weeks ago by Jonathan Dietch.
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March 23, 2022 at 9:33 AM #14654
NASA is conducting laser communications research from the Table Mountain Facility; please refer to NOTAM # 2/4076 (KZLA-A0316/22). This is a permanent NOTAM flyers in the Baldy/Mt San Antonio area should be aware of. Laser is non-visible. Hazard Zone is 5 NM centered on Table Mountain, based on 18,000 ft MSL ceiling. Min elevation angle of beam is 20 degrees, laser NOHD is >50km.
Contact: Marcum Martz, Laser Safety Officer, 6263756556, marcum.martz@jpl.nasa.gov for more information.
March 23, 2022 at 10:27 AM #14655here is a screen grab of the notam:
March 23, 2022 at 6:17 PM #14660Jerome DaoustGeneral Member50+ km NOHD (Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance): Definition.
To visualize the area, I plotted a 5 NM radius around the NASA JPL Table Mountain Facility …
March 24, 2022 at 8:15 AM #14661David WebbGeneral MemberMarch 24, 2022 at 9:04 AM #14662i just got word from marcum that the laser will be active “no sooner than the 28th”.
it’s looking like a great day to get up and go. be safe out there kids.
March 25, 2022 at 10:44 AM #14682Updated: the FAA has moved the notice into the SW US Chart Supplement:
Interesting, I was not aware of the Mt. Wilson notice.
March 25, 2022 at 2:56 PM #14688A couple more notes:
If it looks like weather conditions are good for flights that may take you over Wrightwood, you can always check with me (6263756556) on the day of to see if we’re operating. An alternate phone # is 6267201988 (Daniel) in case I’m out of town.
While laser protective eyewear is really only designed as a backup protective measure, and although it’s designed to take a direct hit, there’s always the chance of a stray reflection coming in the side. But if you’re interested, the correct specification would be Optical Density (OD) of 6+ for 1064 nm. Here’s a link to a supplier (not an endorsement): https://www.kenteklaserstore.com/products/eyewear/laser-safety-eyewear?wavelengths=6-1064.
March 25, 2022 at 3:21 PM #14690Been there many times. Found a couple tracks. Also built a beefy rebar cage for a telescope base.Hopefully, we can call and see if the airspace is hot or not.
March 25, 2022 at 6:48 PM #14691David WebbGeneral MemberAnother pilot saw this and posted to the SD group. Looks like the NOTAM was cancelled? I have not yet confirmed.
March 25, 2022 at 7:15 PM #14692Jerome DaoustGeneral MemberMarcum mentioned in a posting above… “the FAA has moved the notice into the SW US Chart Supplement”.
Which can explain the cancellation of the NOTAM, but the concern remains.
March 25, 2022 at 9:07 PM #14693David WebbGeneral MemberAh – I missed that detail. That makes sense.
March 26, 2022 at 7:01 AM #14696As Dan DeWeese mentions, the best thing to do is call (see phone numbers in this thread). The precise schedule (including azimuth and elevation angle) will be known 24 hours in advance.
The mission test phase starts the week of 3/28/22 and runs for one year after launch (August or September, 2022), unless it gets extended (which often happens). Read about the mission here: https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/opticalcommunications/psyche-dsoc/.
From a long-term perspective, this facility (https://scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov/optical-communications-laboratory) will be continuing to operate for the foreseeable future. However, except for DSOC projects, the lasers are lower power, and do not pose an eye injury hazard.
August 29, 2023 at 11:01 AM #18812FYI – the Psyche Mission launches October 5, so expect a fair amount of laser activity in the days and weeks following.
Flyers are urged to avoid the 5 NM area to the south of Table Mountain. Check with me for schedule (6263756556) or Daniel (6267201988) if your flight plan takes you in this area.
Marcum Martz
Jet Propulsion Lab
Laser Safety OfficerAugust 29, 2023 at 11:23 AM #18814David WebbGeneral MemberThank you, Marcum, for posting updates. They are very much appreciated.
November 17, 2023 at 7:12 AM #19219Ken HowellsGeneral MemberCongratulations to the team at Table Mountain for their part in the Psyche mission’s successful test of laser communication over a distance of 10,000,000 miles!
With an uplink from Table Mountain to Psyche and a downlink to the Hale telescope at Mt. Palomar that’s a heckuva triangle flight! Or is it technically an out-and-return?
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