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Introduction to laser communication

Laser communications systems are wireless connections through the atmosphere. They work similarly to fiber optic links, except the beam is transmitted through free space.
Laser communication is now able to send information at data rates up to several Gbps and at distance of thousands of kilometers apart.

This has open up the idea to adapt optical wireless communication technology into space technology; hence intersatellite optical wireless communication (ISOWC) is developed. ISOWC can be used to connect one satellite to another satellite.

Intersatellite Links Why ?

Study for Military Satellite Communications

(MILSATCOM) High bandwidth advantage. Frequency management Secure communications Weight and power requirements.

Intersatellite Links Communication Architectures

2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1.

Point-Point System
Advantages

Crosslink System
Disadvantages

Hybrid System
Examples
DSCS UFO INTELSAT

Point-Point

Heritage systems Reliability and redundancy Relatively low weight and power requirements

Reliance on ground stations Atmospheric losses Additional time delays High probability of interception

Crosslink

Very secure channels Reduced propagation delays Reduced or no frequency management issues Coverage flexibility

Extra spacecraft bus requirements Additional payload complexity Additional ground control requirements

Milstar Iridium

Intersatellite Links How They Work

Step 1. Sat 1 scans for Sat 2 using beacon laser
Step 2. Sat 2 responds to successful acquisition with confirmation beacon. Sat 1 beacon maintains lock.

Step 3. While maintaining beacon lock, Sat 1 transmits data.

Step 4. Sat 2 replies to transmission with a confirmation code or request to retransmit.

Intersatellite Links Optical Functional

Optical

Payload Network Data Bus

Laser Xmtr

Amplifier (Fiber)
Beamsplitter

Telescope

Receiver

Attitude Control Command & Data Handling Telemetry & Tracking

ATP Processor
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Laser Crosslinks Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Acquisition, Tracking and Point (ATP) Assembly
Beacon Transmit Module

Link scanner Confirm link

Beacon Receive Module

Processor Module

Establish and maintain link

Laser Crosslinks ATP Assembly

Main features Beacon Transmit Module

Generates the beacon laser for acquisition and tracking

Beacon Receive Module Receives beacon laser inputs from target satellites in order to confirm link

ATP Processor Calculates all ATP control commands to ensure link establishment and integrity
Yes Generate Beacon Laser Scan for Target Wait for Confirmation No Maintain Link No Yes

Laser Crosslinks WBS (continued)

Optical Assembly Telescope Module Telescope, aperture, gimbal, and mounting support Jitter Control Module Fast steering mirror or other vibrationnegating technique. Optical Pathway Module Polarizers, filters, beam formers, and fiber optic cable.

Laser Optical Assembly

Telescope Fast Steering Mirror Optical Filters

Acts as Antenna Largest component

Adaptive optical device Removes jitter from light Responds to motions of spacecraft Allows for minor beam corrections

Light-sensitive coatings Pass or block light

Gimballed for range of motions

Apertures range from 6 to 12 diameter

Higher cut-offs than electrical filters

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Laser Crosslinks WBS (continued)

Transceiver Assembly Transmitter Module

Laser transmitter, modulator, amplifier, and processor Receiver, demodulator, and processor

Receiver Module

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Laser Crosslinks Transceiver Assembly

Laser Modulator

Fiber Amplifier

TO Optical Assembly

Payload Network Data Bus

Converts electrical signal to optical Modulates payload IF to transmit RF analog: Upconverter

Amplifies modulated signal for transmission RF analog: TWTA

Receiver Array

FROM Optical Assembly

Converts optical signal to electrical Demodulates signal to payload IF RF analog: Downconverter

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Intersatellite Links Mission Scenarios

Optical Data Link RF Data Link
Backbone TDR AISR AISR

COTM

AISR Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance COTM Comm on the Move TDR Tracking and Data Relay
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Applications
Transmit voice for miles line-of-sight
Use weak signal modes for cloud scatter Transmit video

Transmit high speed data without WEP

In Space Research & Interplanetary Missions

With an optical link it is natural to use it for

communications in addition to ranging.

Mercury Laser Altimeter instrument on Messenger has

demonstrated the basics of laser communication over interplanetary distances.

Mission data requirements are increasing Free-space optical communications potentially has higher capacity over large distances than RF communications, Interplanetary missions may stress both range and data rate, Typically, optical communications is most cost effective at high data rate.