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Optical deep space communication via relay satelliteThe possible use of an optical for high rate data transmission from a deep space vehicle to an Earth-orbiting relay satellite while RF links are envisioned for the relay to Earth link was studied. A preliminary link analysis is presented for initial sizing of optical components and power levels, in terms of achievable data rates and feasible range distances. Modulation formats are restricted to pulsed laser operation, involving bot coded and uncoded schemes. The advantage of an optical link over present RF deep space link capabilities is shown. The problems of acquisition, pointing and tracking with narrow optical beams are presented and discussed. Mathematical models of beam trackers are derived, aiding in the design of such systems for minimizing beam pointing errors. The expected orbital geometry between spacecraft and relay satellite, and its impact on beam pointing dynamics are discussed.
Document ID
19810024823
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Gagliardi, R. M. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Vilnrotter, V. A. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Dolinar, S. J., Jr. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
August 15, 1981
Subject Category
Communications And Radar
Report/Patent Number
JPL-PUB-81-40
NASA-CR-164855
Accession Number
81N33366
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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