Optimal GEO Lasercomm Terminal Field of View for LEO Link Support

Abstract

As alternatives to the traditional gimbaled terminal design, future satellite based laser communications terminals are envisioned that utilize a wide field or view or field or regard (WFOV/WFOR) . This approach can be advantageous in situations requiring rapid switching between user terminals, support for multiple terminals simultaneously (via TDMA, SDMA or WDMA) or other non-standard mission requirements. However, a traditional gimbaled terminal has the capability to continuously track a single user over very large angles, such as the 18-20 degrees spanned by a LEO satellite as seen from GEO. WFOV/WFOK designs race increasing cost and/or complexity issues with each incremental increase in angular coverage. The methodology and inputs for a trade study are presented here that attempts to maximize the available connectivity to a LEO satellite while minimizing cost and complexity metrics by choosing an optimal FOV/FOR size for a GEO terminal.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA444822

Entities

People

  • Brian S. Engberg
  • Charles W. Hindman
  • Jeffrey P. Hunt
  • Kevin J. Walchko

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Availability
  • Circular Orbits
  • Distribution Functions
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Laser Communications
  • Orbits
  • Polar Orbits
  • Probability
  • Probability Distribution Functions
  • Probability Distributions
  • Spacecraft
  • Standards
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers