System concept of an integrated RF-optical transceiver for deep space TT&C

This work reports on an integrated RF-optical TT&C subsystem that can achieve increased TM link capacity but with almost the same mass and less power consumption than a conventional X-band or even upcoming Ka-band TT&C subsystem. Overall system design aspects are discussed, including considerations on atmospheric turbulence that significantly influence the achievable TM rate. The paper focuses on on-board terminal aspects and outlines the design approach to an optical deep space link (O-DSL) that is based on state-of-the-art technology.

[1]  D. Hoppe,et al.  A Ten-Meter Ground-Station Telescope for Deep-Space Optical Communications: A Preliminary Design , 2001 .

[2]  J. Goodman.  Statistical Optics , 1985 .

[3]  Thomas Dreischer,et al.  Operating in sub-arc seconds: high-precision laser terminals for intersatellite communications , 2002, International Symposium on Optomechatronic Technologies.

[4]  Luciano Iess,et al.  Advanced radio science instrumentation for the mission BepiColombo to Mercury , 2001 .

[5]  Moe Z. Win,et al.  Effect Of Earth Albedo Variation On The Performance Of Spatial Acquisition Subsystem Aboard A Planetary Spacecraft , 1989, Photonics West - Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering.

[6]  Hamid Hemmati,et al.  High-efficiency pulsed laser transmitters for deep-space communication , 2000, LASE.

[7]  John V. Sandusky,et al.  Design of the optoelectronic receiver for deep-space optical communications , 2000, LASE.

[8]  J. Degnan,et al.  Optical antenna gain. 1: transmitting antennas. , 1974, Applied optics.

[9]  Thomas Dreischer,et al.  THE ISLFE TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - RESULTS FROM THE ENGINEERING BREADBOARD PHASE , 2002 .

[10]  J. Katz.  Planets as background noise sources in free space optical communications , 1986 .

[11]  Robert Laine,et al.  XMM x-ray mirrors: metrology and optical performance , 1999, Optical Systems Design.

[12]  Jeff B. Berner,et al.  Regenerative pseudo-noise ranging for deep space applications , 2001 .

[13]  Sukhan Lee,et al.  Pointing and tracking concepts for deep-space missions , 1999, Photonics West.

[14]  B. J. Klein,et al.  Transmitter and receiver antenna gain analysis for laser radar and communication systems , 1973 .

[15]  A. Biswas,et al.  Deep-Space Optical Communications Downlink Budget from Mars: System Parameters , 2003 .

[16]  James R. Lesh,et al.  High-data-rate laser transmitters for free-space laser communications , 1999, Photonics West.

[17]  J. Vernin,et al.  Optical seeing at La Palma Observatory. I - General guidelines and preliminary results at the Nordic Optical Telescope , 1992 .

[18]  V. Vilnrotter.  The effects of pointing errors on the performance of optical communications systems , 1981 .