Citation
Abstract
We report the performance of candidate deep-space optical communication systems that would use a single optical ground station in conjunction with various space terminals. We considered three potential diameters of ground receive terminals (4 m, 8 m, and 12 m) and three potential ground transmit powers (1 kW, 5 kW, and 10 kW). Combinations of ground receive terminals, ground transmit terminals, and spacecraft terminals were assessed for data rate and data volume return, both uplink and downlink, and for uplink irradiance needed to enable downlink pointing. System performance was evaluated in the context of a set of 12 design reference missions described in a companion article in this volume. Link performance was evaluated using the Strategic Optical Link Tool, assuming clear weather conditions with conservative desert daytime turbulence. We compared the link performance achievable under our assumptions to the anticipated requirements associated with the design reference missions.
Details
- Volume
- 42-205
- Published
- May 15, 2016
- Pages
- 1–33
- File Size
- 1.2 MB