LEO-to-GEO laser communication - An enhancement of the communication capability of micro/nano-satellites

Over the last few years, micro/nano-satellites have played a more significant role in accomplishing Earth observation missions. Due to low cost and short time for development, micro/nano-satellites show potential for mass production and forming constellations that help increase the frequency of acqu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Do, Phong Xuan, Nakasuka, Shinichi
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Communication
Data acquisition
Feasibility studies
Geosynchronous orbits
Laser beams
Lasers
Low earth orbits
Mass production
Nanosatellites
Optical communication
Parameter sensitivity
Radio waves
Satellite constellations
Satellites
Sensitivity analysis
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Summary:Over the last few years, micro/nano-satellites have played a more significant role in accomplishing Earth observation missions. Due to low cost and short time for development, micro/nano-satellites show potential for mass production and forming constellations that help increase the frequency of acquiring Earth-observing data. However, the traditional satellite-to-ground communication method using radio waves has faced the problems of limited bandwidth and delay in delivering data to the ground. Therefore, to enhance the communication capability of the micro/nano-satellite classes, we conduct a feasibility study in which a micro/nano-satellite in low earth orbit (LEO) sends data to a counterpart in geostationary orbit (GEO) via a high-speed laser link in real time. Several promising configurations for the micro/nano-satellite classes to conduct the LEO-to-GEO link are given along with a sensitivity analysis of system parameters. To improve the communication performance of the LEO-to-GEO laser communication, we also present a dynamic scheme to optimally adapt the laser beam waist to the pointing error caused by the LEO micro/nano-satellite’s vibration.
ISSN:0094-243X
1551-7616
DOI:10.1063/5.0060055