GaAs laser beacon for satellite communicationsA low-power GaAs laser has been proposed as the beacon source for creating a high-data-rate laser communication link. GaAs sources have the necessary power output, stability and lifetime to provide relatively broad beamwidth beacon signals. Their signal strength permits adequate discrimination from background signals for beacon acquisition and lock-on during high-data-rate signal transmission. Link analysis is discussed in terms of a range equation identifying the power received on a low-earth-orbit satellite and indicating acceptable levels for the acquisition and tracking of the GaAs beacon source. Noise interference is discussed with reference to such sources as the galactic background, bright stars, and detector tube noise. Attention is likewise given to the signal source and the optical design of the beacon transmitter and beacon receiver.
Document ID
19830042364
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Richard, H. L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Instrument Management Branch, Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking
Meeting Information
Meeting: Control and communication technology in laser systems; Twenty-fifth Annual International Technical Symposium, San Diego