Space Station-Based Deep-Space Optical Communication Experiments

Chien-Chung Chen; Jon A. Schwartz

doi:10.1117/12.976544

2 May 1988 Space Station-Based Deep-Space Optical Communication Experiments

Chien-Chung Chen, Jon A. Schwartz

Proceedings Volume 0885, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies; (1988) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.976544
Event: 1988 Los Angeles Symposium: O-E/LASE '88, 1988, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

A series of three experiments proposed for advanced optical deep-space communications is described. These proposed experiments would be carried aboard the Space Station to test and evaluate the capability of optical instruments to conduct data communication and spacecraft navigation for deep-space missions. Techniques for effective data communication, precision spacecraft ranging, and accurate angular measurements will be developed and evaluated in a spaceborne environment. The technology needed to assemble large space structures will be applied to construct a large aperture, segmented mirror, non-diffraction limited photon bucket capable of receiving downlink data from as far as 1000 astronomical units. In addition to testing the basic functions on communication and spacecraft navigation, these experiments will also evaluate the performance of supporting subsystems needed to carry out spacecraft acquisition, tracking, laser modulation, and data detection. Successful completion of these experiments is needed to guarantee the eventual deployment of an orbiting optical receiving station. The latter will be capable of supporting deep-space communications activities for the next century.

Citation Download Citation

Chien-Chung Chen and Jon A. Schwartz "Space Station-Based Deep-Space Optical Communication Experiments", Proc. SPIE 0885, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies, (2 May 1988); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.976544

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