Deep space optical communications (DSOC) offers at least an order of magnitude increase in data rates for the same mass and power as state-of-the-art radio frequency solutions. This promises to revolutionize interplanetary exploration, for example, by enabling streaming high-resolution imagery from interplanetary mission payloads directly to Earth. NASA is demonstrating this capability through the DSOC terminal onboard their Psyche spacecraft. In 2025, ESA will join this demonstration with a European ground segment comprising two separate ground-based systems currently in development: a laser transmitter emitting a high-power beacon and a single-photon-detection capable receiver with a large collecting area for detecting signals received at Earth from the space terminal in deep space. This paper addresses the developments concerning the Ground Laser Transmitter (GLT). We present a novel system design approach to a modular optical beacon and uplink transmitter including the kW-class, modulated laser system providing multiple high-power laser channels, along with pointing and tracking modules and beam launching optics. The angular direction of the multiple beams is monitored and corrected with arcsec accuracy. These components are integrated within a containerized platform. Testing and verification plans for the GLT will also be presented including a planned optical link demonstration at a distance up to 2.7 astronomical units. This solution represents a significant step towards extending the current ESA ground station network, paving the way for future optical communications missions to Mars and beyond.
ESA uplink-beacon system for deep-space optical communication
International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2024 ; 2024 ; Antibes Juan-les-Pins, France
Proc. SPIE ; 13699 ; 136997D
28.07.2025
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Interplanetary beacon for deep space navigation
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