Modular mechanical payload design for a high throughput optical satellite positioned in geostationary orbit

Abstract

To achieve bidirectional high data rate transmissions from space to earth an optical relay satellite could be positioned in geostationary orbit. Based on the state-of-art from already deployed missions the transceiver unit for such a satellite is planned. To leave the option of scaling the system up modular approaches were developed after setting the evaluation criteria. The evaluation was conducted with experienced members of the institute. Since yet neither launch vehicle nor satellite bus are set, many assumptions were needed. The best rated concept was then designed and simulated for natural frequencies and random vibrations. The first natural frequency of a unit with 10 WDM-channels was calculated to be at 961 Hz. This surpasses the expected requirements for current launch vehicles. The deformation of the PCB resulting from the random vibration excitation exceeds a statistical limit at the PIC-Housing. Therefore, the introduction of additional support pins is recommended.