Small Satellites Optical Communications Research
Recently, I joined a team of researchers at the Space Communications Laboratory, Wireless Networks Research Center of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) as a Visiting Collaborative Researcher. The Laboratory of Lean Satellites and In-Orbit Experiments, LaSEINE, Kyutech has commissioned a joint project with NICT on developments of laser communication systems and technologies for small satellites and unmanned airborne platform. The merger of experience and diverse expertise offers very promising outputs.
The proliferation of small satellites is accelerating so also is the mission requirements and performance demands from them increasing. Communications-TT&C unit is a critical subsystem often tied to the limits, capabilities and outcome of a satellite mission. Generally, most CubeSats operates between few Kbps to some Mbps due to RF band frequencies and platform’s size, weight and power (SWaP) constraints. Introducing optical communication systems into small satellites lifts the potentials and connection speed exponentially. With very high gain transmitting optics, low divergence laser beam and agile optical ground system, extremely high data rates becomes feasible with smaller onboard components. However, Lasercom is plagued by beam pointing difficulties, atmospheric scintillation and absorption problems; indeed they are the worthy and formidable opponents we really want to vanquish!
The Space Communications Laboratory at NICT has a mandate to drive the implementation of integrated space-ground network that enhances the usage of space big-data by utilizing Optical and Ka-band satellite technologies. NICT morphed from the merger of previous research organizations actively involved in the development of satellite optical link technologies since the early days. A number of the previous larger Japanese Engineering Test Satellites (ETS) featured unique Lasercom technologies and demonstrations. Recent trend now involves the use of small satellite platforms e.g. VSOTA. In March 2020, SOLISS, a bidirectional 100Mbps Ethernet Laser communication link between International Space Station and NICT Optical Ground Station was successfully demonstrated transmitting HD images.
Researchers at the NICT Space Communications Laboratory are a seasoned blend of experts pushing the boundaries of the domain. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and instruments, I’m inspired to be involved in the advanced optical communications research activities as LaSEINE- Kyutech and NICT collaborates!
