An optical communication link on the Shuttle

A communication link for the transfer of data between the crew cabin and payload bay of the Shuttle is proposed. The configuration of the system, which is to transmit data optically through the Shuttle cabin window, is described. The effects of temperature cycling and cosmic radiation on optical fibers, the cable, connectors, and lenses, and of vibrations during a mission on the alignment of collimating lenses at the window are investigated. Consideration is given to determining the optimum design for the optical fiber and the optimum system operation wavelength for transmission through the aft Orbiter window and the payload environment.