Optical terminals for microsatellite swarms

Walter R. Leeb; Andras Kalmar; Klaus H. Kudielka; Peter J. Winzer

doi:10.1117/12.464090

26 April 2002 Optical terminals for microsatellite swarms

Walter R. Leeb, Andras Kalmar, Klaus H. Kudielka, Peter J. Winzer

Proceedings Volume 4635, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XIV; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.464090
Event: High-Power Lasers and Applications, 2002, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

We studied terminal architectures and configurations for optical cross-links within microsatellite swarms and assessed the applicability of available technologies. Typical applications for microsatellite swarms are phased array telescopes, interferometric missions, and space-based radar. Key drivers for an optical terminal are well-developed technology and ruggedness. The terminal should do without automatic tracking or fine pointing, coarse pointing should be simple. As an example we cover a scenario where four microsatellites form a planar, square formation of 1 km side length, where the data rate is 100 kbit/s, and where an active double-pass lidar between each of the satellites provides a ranging accuracy of better than 10 m. The terminal transmit power is some 160 mW at a wavelength of 980 nm, the receive apertures have a diameter of 5 mm, and the size, weight, and power requirement of one terminal is estimated to be 60X80X70 mm³, 900 g, and 5 W, respectively.

Citation Download Citation

Walter R. Leeb, Andras Kalmar, Klaus H. Kudielka, and Peter J. Winzer "Optical terminals for microsatellite swarms", Proc. SPIE 4635, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XIV, (26 April 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.464090

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