NASA Laser Intersatellite Communication Program

Louis O. Caudill

doi:10.1117/12.961033

15 May 1986 NASA Laser Intersatellite Communication Program

Louis O. Caudill

Proceedings Volume 0616, Optical Technologies for Communication Satellite Applications; (1986) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.961033
Event: O-E/LASE'86 Symposium, 1986, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

NASA's return to laser communications technology development was heralded by three timely events, the development of reliable, high performance semiconductor lasers by a number of research groups in the early 1980's, the TDAS study by Stanford Telecommunication Inc. which summarized NASA's future requirements for high data rate crosslink and leo-to-geo communications, and the advent of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite program (ACTS). As a result of these factors NASA, with the GSFC acting as lead center, has reestablished a vigorous program in laser intersatellite communications, through a strong Proof-of-Concept (POC) program funded by the Office of Space Sciences and Applications (OSSA) and an equally strong technology development program funded by the Office of Advanced Science and Technology (OAST). With this technology base it is now appropriate to initiate meaningful space experiments aimed at testing and demonstrating the maturity of industry as well as government developed laser communication technology and its ability to support NASA's communications requirements in the 1990's and beyond. This presentation will outline NASA's POC program, its component development program and outline and discuss in detail its ACTS Laser Intersatellite Communications Experiment scheduled for the 1990-1992 time frame.

Citation Download Citation

Louis O. Caudill "NASA Laser Intersatellite Communication Program", Proc. SPIE 0616, Optical Technologies for Communication Satellite Applications, (15 May 1986); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.961033

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