A Lasercom terminal for CubeSats

Sizing, analysis and experimental verification

Master thesis (2018)

Authors

D.G. Bakker Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

C.J.M. Verhoeven (supervisor 1)
Bert Monna (supervisor 1)
G.A. Bohlin (supervisor 2)
S. Speretta (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
Copyright: © 2018 Daniël Bakker
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Published Date

06-07-2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

Research on laser communication technology for satellites has led to a sufficient understanding of this technology to start working on commercial applications. In this work a design is proposed for a lasercom system for CubeSats, a type of nanosatellites that is used increasingly often for commercial missions. The goal of this design is to offer substantially higher datarates from low earth orbit to ground compared to radio links, without regulatory constraints and at competitive costs. To support the first-order design as proposed in this work, a detailed implementation is described. One component of this design, the sensor that accurately measures the angle of the incoming light, is analysed experimentally.