OPTICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SATELLITES
AND INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
B.Varun Reddy, P. Sushrith Reddy, Pranay Puchakayala, Vivek
INTRODUCTION :
Space-based, free-space optical communica-
tions is a concept that has been around for
many years. Today's market for space-based
optical communications is primarily intersatel-
lite links (ISLs) which is the main focus of this
poster. There is also a place for high data rate
(many Gbps) space-earth links, though propa-
gation effects due to the atmosphere and
weather make this a much more difficult link.
Some activity in space-earth optical communi-
cations will also be discussed here. The main
focus of the paper is the efficiency in the data
rate that can be achieved for intersatellite links.
The poster shows the efficiency of the red laser
to over come atmospheric barriers and to es-
tablish a high standard optical link between
two satellites.
Students of VIT University, Vellore, T.N, India
WORKING :
A single two-way laser link, performing simultaneously
communication and range estimation functions between
formation spacecraft is being investigated in the frame-
work of Broadband Laser Inter-Satellite Link (BLSIL), a
joint Israeli-German applied research project. A unique
technique of pointing control system for an intersatellite
laser communication and ranging link can be executed. In
this system, the same red laser is used both as a beacon
and as a transmitter. To maximize the traffic capacity of the
link, the beam-width is controlled from broad in the acqui-
sition stage, to narrow in the tracking stage. Laser link
pointing control presents difficult demands from the beam
pointing precision. To establish and maintain the laser link
between the satellites in orbit, pointing control must be
fast and precise. A hierarchic two-level system control is
recommended. The lower level controls the gimbals of the
optical head of the electro-optical transceiver; the higher
level is a fast closed loop that simultaneously controls the
beam-width and direction. It is the primary subject of the
paper. Initial pointing acquisition assumes exchange of po-
sition-related information between the satellites to estab-
lish the initial line of sight (LOS). After initial acquisition a
cooperative extreme-seeking algorithm is used for the fast
higher level closed loop control.
CHARECTERISTICS :
International Designation Code
Launch Date
Launch Vehicle
Location
Shape
Weight
Orbiter
Altitude
Inclination
Period
Attitude Control
Laser beam optical link
ADVANTAGES :
It will enable optical inter-orbit communica-
tions tests between satellites that are tens of
thousands of kilometers apart. An optical inter-
orbit communications system will bring various
advantages: more stable communications with
less interference; lighter, more compact commu-
nications equipment; and higher data transmis-
sion rates. These tests are expected to lead to new
technologies that will support the development
and utilization of space, including global data
reception from Earth Observation satellites and
continuous communication links with a manned
space station.
The inherent features of laser free-space link:
small weight and mass, power efficiency, broad-
band, high precision, availability of state-of-the-
art components
SUCCESSFUL MISSION :
The distance between ARTEMIS, a stationary satellite,
and KIRARI (OICETS), positioned in a low Earth orbit, is
around 45,000 km at its maximum point. As a result, opti-
cal inter-orbit communications tests require elements
such as high-gain optical antennas, a high-power semi-
conductor laser, and highly sensitive signal detectors. The
distance between ARTEMIS, a stationary satellite, and
KIRARI (OICETS), positioned in a low Earth orbit, is
around 45,000 km at its maximum point. As a result, opti-
cal inter-orbit communications tests require elements
such as high-gain optical antennas, a high-power semi-
conductor laser, and highly sensitive signal detectors.
2005-031A
06:10, August 24, 2005 (JST)
Dnepr launch vehicle
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakh-
stan
Dimensions : Box-shaped satel-
lite with dimensions of 0.78 m x
1.1 m x 1.5 m
Total length of the Solar Array
Paddles (after deployment) 9.36
m
Approx. 570 kg
Circular orbit
Approx. 610 km
Approx. 98 degrees
Approx. 97 minutes
Three-axis stabilization