System Test Bed for demonstration of the optical space communications feasibility

R. Dumas, B. Laurent

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The use of laser diodes for optical communications between satellites is the object of the European SILEX programme funded by ESA for which MATRA is prime contractor. As a step towards the development of a full scale space system, a complete System Test Bed (STB) dedicated to optical space communication feasibility demonstration has been built on ground. It uses functional breadboards of all key equipments required for an optical terminal. Communication and pointing functions have been studied and evaluated, both at subsystem and at terminal level. At system level a complete link includes two terminals one of which is a simulator fed with a characterization derived from the subsystem and terminal experiments. After a description of the STB principle, the paper presents test results and compares them to theoretical calculations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
EditorsDavid L. Begley, Bernard D. Seery
PublisherPubl by Int Soc for Optical Engineering
Pages398-411
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)0819402591
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 1990
Externally publishedYes
EventFree-Space Laser Communication Technologies II - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Duration: 15 Jan 199017 Jan 1990

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume1218
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceFree-Space Laser Communication Technologies II
CityLos Angeles, CA, USA
Period15/01/9017/01/90

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