Combined laser ranging and communication on laser terminal CubeCat and TNO’s optical ground station

Abstract

Laser communication offers high data rates and more bandwidth capacity compared to radio but is also advantageous in terms of power and volume. However, the required pointing accuracy and atmospheric influence pose stringent requirements on the system which form the main challenges for this type of communication. This is where laser ranging could make a difference. Laser ranging is more mature than laser communication but both technologies share many commonalities. A synergy of the two could therefore be beneficial to small satellites that are constrained by volume, power or cost. Alternatively, it could expand the capabilities of existing optical communication systems without significant modifications. The latter is considered as the main driver for investigating combined laser ranging and communication capabilities between CubeCat and the TNO optical ground station. CubeCat, currently being developed by TNO, is an example of a cubesat-sized terminal that will demonstrate in-orbit high-speed satellite-to-Earth laser communication.