Citation
Abstract
An Earth-based Galileo optical communications Xmtr (GOPEX) demonstration is the first attempt to demonstrate deep-space optical communications with a spacecraft during flight. The optical transmitter consists of a Nd:YAG laser integrated with the 24-in. telescope located at the Table Mountain Observatory (TMO). The receiver is a solid-state imaging camera on board Galileo. The primary objectives of the demonstration are to better understand the issues involved in blind-pointing to a spacecraft traveling in deep space and to assess the quality of the optical uplink by comparing the results of this experiment with theoretical predictions. The demonstration is scheduled for December 1990 and December 1992 during the Earth-encounter phases of the Galileo trajectory.
Details
- Volume
- 42-103
- Published
- November 15, 1990
- Pages
- 262–277
- File Size
- 1.0 MB