laser communications for satellite mega …2016.spacesymposium.org/sites/default/files... · laser...
TRANSCRIPT
Dr. Markus Knapek
LASER COMMUNICATIONS FOR SATELLITE MEGA-CONSTELLATIONS –
NEWSPACE-STYLE
April 2016 Dr. Markus Knapek
Dr. Markus Knapek 2
Laser Communication at ViaLight
Optical Network above the Clouds
• Data rates up to 10Gbps
• Low SWaP, <10kg
• Competitive price for terminals in LEO
Today’s Business at ViaLight
• Stratospheric inter-platform links with large commercial customers
• Industrial manufacturing approach for larger series
• Path towards large constellations of small satellites
Inter-HAP
Inter-Sat
LEO-Ground
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Laser Communication for the New Space Market
Communication: • SpaceX • OneWeb • LeoSat
Earth Observation • SkyBox Imaging • PlanetLabs • BlackSky • UrtheCast
• Need for inexpensive solutions to make ambitious business models work • Rather industrial than traditional space manufacturing approach
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MLT-20 - Short-Distance Links
ViaLight’s Flight Terminals and Ground Stations
Application Scenarios
• Inter-aircraft, Inter-High Altitude Platforms (HAP), flight platform to satellite
Characteristics
• 70/100mm aperture
• Up to 10Gbps on one channel
Application Scenarios
• Platform to ground links
• Inter-UAV at short distances
Characteristics
• Link distance up to 50km
• 20mm terminal
• Weight 5-10kg
• 1-10Gbps
MLT-70/100 - Long-Range Inter-Platform
GS-200 Ground Station Air-to-Ground
Application Scenarios
• Fast adhoc setup
Characteristics
• 200mm station aperture
• Weight <45kg
• Bi-directional or asymmetric communication at up to 10Gbps
GS-400/600/800 Ground Station Satellite-to-Ground
Application Scenarios
• Satellite-to-ground links
Characteristics
• 400/600/800mm Cassegrain telescopes
• Bi-directional or asymmetric communication at up to 10Gbps
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Proof of Concept under Extreme Test Conditions ViaLight MLT-20 on a Jet-Fighter Platform
Secure link despite: • Poor weather conditions • 750km/h, 7km altitude, 60km range • Extreme shocks with afterburner
Foto: J. Gietl 2013 @ Cassidian
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Design and Quality Process
Thermal Management Structural Design Quality & Testing
Heat-flow simulation
Implementation of thermal management
Structural FEA simulations with Eigen-frequencies
Investigation of design alternatives for low weight
Manufacturing documentation
Life-time testing
Thermo-vacuum and vibration tests
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Space Demonstration of MLT-70 on MUSES
• Partnership with various space companies and experts
• Near-term demonstration of a low-cost laser terminal on MUSES on the ISS
• Laser terminal based on the already existing stratospheric MLT-70
• Prototype for small satellite laser terminals (Sat2Ground, Inter-Sat)