In orbit demonstration plans for an optical satellite link between a CubeSat and a ground terminal at TNO

Conference paper (2021)

Authors

R. Saathof TNO

Arjan J.H. Meskers TNO

Floris Van Kempen TNO

Gert Witvoet TNO

Wim Korevaar TNO

Dorus De Lange TNO

Will Crowcombe TNO

Erik Fritz TNO

Martin Van De Pol Royal Netherlands Air Force

Affiliation

External organisation

In orbit demonstration Optical satellite communications

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Published Date

2021

Language

English

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Affiliation

External organisation

Abstract

Optical satellite communications is a maturing technology to enable word-wide access to high throughput internet. In the past years a lot of effort has been taken to increase the applicability and the TRL of this technology. In collaboration with industry, TNO initiated several developments for space and ground technologies. Many of these technologies have already passed critical design review (CDR) and are in an advanced state. A missing piece of the puzzle is an in orbit demonstration (IOD), which proves the technologies to be working. This paper presents the plans for an IOD with CubeCAT on the NorSat-TD. As ground segment the TNO optical communications lab is equipped with an 80 cm diameter telescope. By an successful IOD, worldwide available internet at high throughput is yet one step closer.