Topics in Millimeter-Wave and Optical Space Communication
Abstract
Many comparative studies have been made of millimeter-wave and optical space-communication systems. The applications considered have been diverse, including links between satellites in low Earth orbits, satellites in synchronous orbits, deep-space probes, and Earth terminals, with data-rate requirements from a few bit/sec to Gbit/sec. This report presents a short tutorial account of the common and of the distinctly different features of some millimeter-wave and optical space-communication systems. For example, the design of the transmitting antennas is governed by the same electromagnetic theory, which accounts for diffraction at an aperture. However, the signal-to-noise relationships in the receivers may not be the same (Gaussian vs Poisson noise statistics). Possible satellite applications are surveyed briefly, with mention of the favorable and the unfavorable factors associated with millimeter-wave and optical space-communication systems. Candidate systems are postulated and link calculations are given.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 16, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0731535
Entities
People
- Stephen L. Zolnay
- William W. Ward
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology