Space Optical Communications Using Laser Beams

About this technology

Overview

NASA has developed a new laser beam pointing technology for use in space optical communications. With further development, possible applications include communications from the Earth to spacecraft in Earth orbit and in deep space, such as at the moon and Mars. A possible application is to the Artemis Program for CubeSats in low-Lunar Orbit (LLO). Current architectures use dynamical systems, (i.e., moving parts, e.g., fast-steering mirrors (FSM), and/or gimbals,) to turn the laser to point to the ground terminal and possibly use vibration isolation platforms (VIP). This patented technology from NASA Ames uses a combined lens system and a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)/Photodetector Array. This static system has the potential to replace the current dynamic systems and VIP, dependent on studies for the particular application. Laser beam pointing is very challenging for low-Earth Orbit (LEO), including science missions. Computer simulations using this design have been made for an application to a CubeSat in LEO.