Enhanced Data Return from Lunar Farside using RF-Optical TT and C

Abstract

Science return and high bandwidth communications are key issues to support the foreseen endeavours on spaceflights to the Moon and beyond. For a given mass, power consumption and volume, laser communications can offer an increase in TM bandwidth over classical RF technology allowing for a variety of new options, specifically to missions that require very large distances, such as to the Moon and even beyond. This increase in TM data rate allows for more raw scientific data to be sent back to Earth where data processing can be performed on ground. Enhanced sensing techniques could be used that generate more science data and access during flight could be faster. This paper presents an overview of proof of concept test results obtained for optical telemetry return in a field test campaign together with ESA in October 2007. Based on the results obtained, a sample mission is outlined that shows an optical relay on a HALO trajectory at lunar farside, using an integrated RF-optical TT&C transponder concept.