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2017 (English)In: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, 2017Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]
The satellite market is shifting towards smaller (micro and nanosatellites), lowered mass and increased performance platforms. Nanosatellites and picosatellites have been used for a number of new, innovative and unique payloads and missions. This trend requires new concepts for a reduced size, a better performance/weight ratio and a reduction of onboard power consumption. In this context, disruptive technologies, such as laser-optical communication systems, are opening new possibilities. This paper presents the C3PO1 system, "advanced Concept for laser uplink/ downlink CommuniCation with sPace Objects", and the first results of the development of its key technologies. This project targets the design of a communications system that uses a ground-based laser to illuminate a satellite, and a Modulating Retro-Reflector (MRR) to return a beam of light modulated by data to the ground. This enables a downlink, without a laser source on the satellite. This architecture suits well to small satellite applications so as high data rates are potentially provided with very low board mass. C3PO project aims to achieve data rates of 1Gbit/s between LEO satellites and Earth with a communication payload mass of less than 1kilogram. In this paper, results of the initial experiments and demonstration of the key technologies will be shown.
Series
SPIE Proceedings, Volume 10096, Systems: Designs, Analyses, Measurements II
Keywords
CubeSat, Free space optics, Ground station, Laser communication, Microsatellite, Modulating retro-reflector, Communication satellites, Integrated optics, Light modulation, Nanosatellites, Optical links, Orbits, Reflection, Satellites, Ground stations, Micro satellite, Modulating retro reflectors, Optical communication
National Category
Computer and Information Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-29389 (URN)10.1117/12.2254046 (DOI)2-s2.0-85016947334 (Scopus ID)9781510606333 (ISBN)
Conference
Free-Space Laser Communication and Atmospheric Propagation XXIX, 30 January 2017 through 1 February 2017
2017-05-082017-05-082024-05-22Bibliographically approved