Submicroradian pointing system design for deep-space optical communications

Shinhak Lee; James W. Alexander; Gerry G. Ortiz

doi:10.1117/12.430794

20 June 2001 Submicroradian pointing system design for deep-space optical communications

Shinhak Lee, James W. Alexander, Gerry G. Ortiz

Proceedings Volume 4272, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XIII; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430794
Event: Photonics West 2001 - LASE, 2001, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper summarizes NASA/JPL progress on sub-microradian pointing system design. Sub-microradian pointing has been found to be critical for the deep space optical communications from earlier studies. The objective of current effort is to develop the needed technologies and demonstrate a sub-microradian pointing capability under simulated spacecraft vibrations. This is expected to establish the foundation for future deep space optical communication missions. The point system, once built, should be able to support optical communications anywhere within solar system for non-orbiting spacecraft. The proposed pointing system is based on high precision inertial sensors and large format focal plane arrays, which can operate under low intensity beacon sources such as stars. This design concept drastically deviates from the conventional design limited for short range, which assumes high signal level and quadrant detectors or small format focal plane arrays. We will present the architecture of the pointing system, pointing error analysis, and the progresses on the laboratory validations.

Citation Download Citation

Shinhak Lee, James W. Alexander, and Gerry G. Ortiz "Submicroradian pointing system design for deep-space optical communications", Proc. SPIE 4272, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XIII, (20 June 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430794

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