The proposed research aims at the development of omnidirectional inter-satellite optical communication devices that enable up to 1 GB/s data rates over a distance up to 200 KM in free space. In…

This federal contract award to the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) aims to develop an omnidirectional inter-satellite optical communication device capable of 1 gigabit per second data rates over distances up to 200 kilometers. The project will adapt a dodecahedron geometry design that can fit within a CubeSat and utilize avalanche photodetector arrays and MEMS scanning mirrors for direction-of-arrival calculation and beam steering. The $200,000.00 cooperative agreement, awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), does not have a set-aside designation and will be executed over 24 months. UC Irvine will collaborate with researchers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop two prototypes of the advanced communicator, which aims to enable data transfer, data relay, and relative navigation control for small spacecraft.

The proposed research aims at the development of omnidirectional inter-satellite optical communication devices that enable up to 1 GB/s data rates over a distance up to 200 KM in free space. In particular, this proposal tackles space, power and performance challenges pertinent to cubesat mission. The project will adapt dodecahedron geometry that can fit inside a cubesat scale block () and utilize avalanche photo detector arrays and gimbal-less mems scanning mirrors for direction of arrival calculation and beam steering. The development of an omnidirectional antenna with spherical coverage will be capable of receiving incoming laser signals from any direction, thus solving the issues pertinent to location and identification of a remote spacecraft. When IT is built, the proposed communicator will be integrated into small spacecrafts to enable data transfer, data relay and relative navigation control. The architecture of the proposed omnidirectional inter-satellite communicator consists of a compact spherical array of optical transceivers made of ingaas avalanche photo diodes and a high power laser diode. The operation principle of the communicator can be summarized in three steps. In the first step, the communicator allows for the calculation of the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of the incoming signal by performing amplitude comparison of the signals read by the detectors that are facing different directions and mounted at each facet of the dodecahedron geometry. In this step, full laser power and maximum detector gain are being utilized to establish communications. In the second step, the communicator allows for the detection and content processing of the information received through that link. In the last step, once DOA information is obtained, the corresponding laser diode is pointed toward the spacecraft generating the incoming signal for full duplex communications. Electronic control unit will be in place to adjust laser power and detector gains for error free communication and optimum power consumption. During the 24 months project duration we will develop two omnidirectional communicator prototypes capable of full-duplex operation. Due to its advanced design, the proposed communicator should allow multiple simultaneous links among several spacecraft. We will use advanced, efficient lightweight single-mode laser diodes operating at 1550 NM capable of producing hundreds of milliwatts of laser radiation. We will employ mems based beam steering mirrors, and ingaas avalanche photodiodes to achieve small form factors that are compatible with cubesat geosynchronous missions. The ultimate goal of the project is to achieve 1 GB/s data rates over 200 KM. Proposed challenges will be tackled by two teams with complementary expertise. The project will be led by the PI at the university of california, irvine in collaboration with others at jet propulsion laboratory, pasadena, CA. One part time PH.d. Student and a part time M.S. Student will participate to achieve the desired goals.