Advanced Space Laser Communication Technology in Education on CubeSats

TARGET GROUP: CUBESAT COMMUNICATIONS IN LEO

OBJECTIVES

·        To implement the low-orbit inter-satellite bidirectional laser link and the LEO-aircraft laser link, would be adopted to the CubeSat mega-constellation.

SUMMARY

CubeSats become popular in low earth orbit (LEO) network be⁃ cause of the low cost, fast response and the possibility of constituting constellations and for⁃ mations to execute missions that a single large satellite cannot do. However, it is a difficult task to build an optical communication link between the CubeSats. In this paper, the cutting-edge laser TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION progress on the CubeSats is reviewed. The characters of laser link on the CubeSat and the key techniques in the laser communication terminal (LCT) design are demonstrated.

Due to the advantages of high bandwidth, low power consumption, superior real-time performance, strong anti-interception and anti-jamming capabilities, laser communication has been developed rapidly, which becomes the main means of future space communication. Currently, multiple laser communication validating links between inter-satellite and satellite-to-ground have been successfully carried out internationally and domestically. The establishment of space information networks with the help of laser links has the preliminary hardware requirements. The space laser communication network is the cornerstone for high-speed information transmission and relay among multiple platforms.

REFERENCE

https://res-www.zte.com.cn/mediares/magazine/publication/com_en/article/202004/202004007.pdf