SILEX overview after flight terminals campaign

The ESA program dedicated to Optical Communications development has allowed to qualify two terminals in 1994 and 1995. In 1995/96, the respective proto flight models have been integrated and tested, leading to in depth knowledge of the behavior of optical terminals in optomechanical, pointing and telecommunications fields for various environmental conditions. The paper describes the program and the associated major tests results at terminal level or in coupled configuration on SPOTIV spacecraft. Considerations for future application are given in order to identify SILEX feedback on MMS optical terminal product line for commercial market.