Laser crosslink subsystem: an overview

Robert B. Deadrick; William F. Deckelman

doi:10.1117/12.59269

9 June 1992 Laser crosslink subsystem: an overview

Robert B. Deadrick, William F. Deckelman

Proceedings Volume 1635, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies IV; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.59269
Event: OE/LASE '92, 1992, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

The Laser Crosslink Subsystem (LCS) is a full duplex laser communications terminal in production at McDonnell Douglas Electronics Systems Company. The LCS will provide a data crosslink for geosynchronous satellites. This paper provides an overview of the system design and major elements followed by a brief program history. One LCS is installed on each satellite. The system utilizes a solid state diode pumped Neodymium YAG laser and direct pulse detection to provide 1.28 Mbps data transmission in one direction on the link and 4 Kbps in the other. A single eight inch gimballed telescope provides both the transmit and receive antenna function. After autonomously acquiring, the 200 Hz bandwidth fine tracking system maintains pointing of the 10 microrad optical beam. The LCS began development in 1981. Since then, each of its assemblies has completed-flight qualification testing. The first integrated production unit successfully completed environmental and performance qualification testing in 1990.

Citation Download Citation

Robert B. Deadrick and William F. Deckelman "Laser crosslink subsystem: an overview", Proc. SPIE 1635, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies IV, (9 June 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.59269

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