Precise and Relative Positioning Capability for Future Fractionated Laser Comms System

Abstract

Abstract The objective of the project is to advance the state-­?of-­?the-­?art of satellite laser communications, both in terms of the laser communication subsystem itself, as well as the platform required to support the subsystem, e.g., the satellite’s positioning and attitude control capabilities. This will be accomplished through two major development efforts. The first of these involves the development and deployment of an initial laser ranging and communication system (LRCS) that will be flown as part of a cubesat mission scheduled to launch in the first year of the project. The second will take the lessons learned from this flight demonstration and apply these to the development a next generation LRCS. The project presents a unique opportunity to deploy and iterate on an inter-­?satellite laser ranging system suitable for nanosatellites, all within the three-­?year project lifetime. The work would also lay the foundation for future work with satellite-­?based laser communications that would enable a host of new fractionated satellite mission concepts of direct benefit to Navy/Marine Corps operations.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jun 03, 2016
Source ID
N000141612167

Entities

People

  • Brian Gunter

Organizations

  • Georgia Tech Research Corporation
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites