As observation and imaging capacities are continuously increasing for small satellite platforms, the downlink communication data rate becomes a major bottleneck. Nowadays, optical communication system concepts are developed worldwide as an alternative to radiofrequency technologies.
According to latest market studies, the satellites market shows a trend towards smaller (micro and nano-satellites), lowered mass and increased performance platforms. Future satellite utilization require:
• more payload weight to use large optical sensors with high resolution
• higher downlink data rates in order to effectively download the resulting extremely large data sets
C3PO makes more weight and power available for satellite payloads and increases the downlink data rate of actual systems of micro and nano-satellites. This increased performance of miniaturized payloads enables multiple applications by providing a high data rate for very light on-board mass. The technology could offer 1 Gbit/s data rate for less than a kilogram of communications payload onboard the satellite.
The project aims to develop a retro-reflective laser communications system for to small/nano-satellitesn through:
• Designing the system architecture
• Maturing the key enabling technologies (Satellite target acquisition, Safety and security, Modulated retro-reflector)
• Demonstrating the system concept through two experiments (acquisition of a satellite target with a laser station and a Gbit/s communication experiment over a 1km range to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept)
The system relies on highly innovative technologies:
• A solid-state spatial light modulator based fine tracking beam steering device
• A fine tracking algorithm that enables to maximise the communication window
• A Multiple-Quantum Well Electro-Absorption Modulator array as an on-board modulation device
Moreover, the project carries out a concrete business model analysis, to give a clear indication of the ways in which these technologies can significantly improve performance and/or reduce costs (Markets of satellite design and manufacturing, satellite imagery, secured communications). This analysis is driving the dissemination activities to target the future users of the developed system.
