Abstract Spaceborne data can be seamlessly handled using a laser-communication system that enables super-high-speed data transfers, greater than or equal to 1 Gbps, and provides size, weight, and power (SWaP) efficiencies at low costs. Laser-communication systems have garnered attention owing to their ability to enhance SWaP efficiencies, and thus they may complement or potentially replace traditional radio frequency (RF) systems in future space networks. Here, we propose a novel space-to-space laser communication system, called very-high-speed inter-satellite link system using infrared optical terminal and nanosatellite (VISION). This study aims to establish and validate laser-crosslink systems and advanced space technologies using two 6U nanosatellites in formation flying. The payload is a laser-communication terminal (LCT) containing a deployable space telescope. The LCT shares beam paths for communication as well as pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) with a single aperture, thereby providing feedback control for the PAT and help mitigate steady-state beam pointing errors. The nanosatellites include a precise formation-flying guidance, navigation, and control system with an S-band RF crosslink and propulsion system. Each nanosatellite is equipped with a propulsion system that can change its inter-satellite ranges rapidly and accurately based on the mission operation scenarios. LCT payload prototypes are constructed, and the PAT system is evaluated using a testbed. Additionally, the components of the nanosatellite bus are electrically integrated for flatsat testing. The proposed laser-crosslink systems are anticipated to contribute to the establishment of high-speed and secure space-to-space networks at low costs in the forthcoming years.

    Highlights Proposed a novel space-to-space laser communication system called VISION. Preliminary design of laser-crosslink and advanced space optics systems with two 6U nanosatellites. Nanosatellites in formation flying included control and propulsion systems. Constructed a laser-communication terminal payload prototype and evaluated PAT. VISION system enables development of low-cost super-high-speed space networks.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    The VISION – Concept of laser crosslink systems using nanosatellites in formation flying


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 211 ; 877-897


    Publication date :

    2023-07-10


    Size :

    21 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Earth Observation Using Japanese/Canadian Formation Flying Nanosatellites

    van Mierlo, M. / Yoshihara, K. / Ng, A. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2010


    Review of Formation Flying and Constellation Missions Using Nanosatellites

    Bandyopadhyay, Saptarshi / Foust, Rebecca / Subramanian, Giri P. et al. | AIAA | 2016


    Correction: Review of Formation Flying and Constellation Missions Using Nanosatellites

    Bandyopadhyay, Saptarshi / Foust, Rebecca / Subramanian, Giri P. et al. | AIAA | 2018


    Microsatellite and formation flying technologies on university nanosatellites

    Luu, Kim / Martin, Maurice / Das, Alok et al. | AIAA | 1999


    Analysis of Formation Flying Control of a Pair of Nanosatellites

    S. M. Veres / S. B. Gabriel / D. Q. Mayne et al. | AIAA | 2002