Compact CPA for Optical Inter-Satellite Communication Terminals on CubeSats

Abstract

This paper explores an optical component of the communication link between CubeSats, which enables a laser data link between two satellites that are not aligned properly. The goal of this paper is to develop a stand-alone mirror system that can be attached to a preexisting communication terminal to increase its range of operation and enable satellites to form an uninterrupted communication network. First, the technical requirements for the mirror system is defined based on existing low earth orbit (LEO) constellations. The space environment for LEO is identified and its challenges for electrical components summarized. With these technical and environmental requirements, multiple mirror systems are compared to find the best option for the application. A test set-up was designed in order to be able to test mirror systems and characterize their behavior. All the components of the test set-up were tested separately, in order to minimize uncertainties in the actual mirror tests. The position sensitive device, which detects the mirror movements, was not suited for the required application. Therefore, future tests of different sensors have to be undertaken to find a good match. At the end, two options for the technical setup of a CubeSat Unit are explored and simulated.