Orion Artemis II Optical Communications Architecture, Implementation and Test Systems

The Orion-Artemis II Optical Communications
(O2O) Payload provides data transfer (up to 260 Megabits per
second downlink) for NASAs first crewed moonshot since the
Apollo days. O2O’s purpose and scope stress incorporating the
operational utility of a high speed communication link with
reduced Size, Weight and Power (SWaP). The promise of this
technology is real time access to critical data, virtual presence
and enhanced teamwork. This application of Optical
Communications lays a foundation for the exploration
ambitions of NASA, this nation and the world.

This paper describes O2O’s operational architecture, based on
the optical C-Band wavelength (1550 nm), its integration into
NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Mission Control Center (MCC)
operations, and operational system certification. Of particular
note are the intricacies of integrating designs with different
performance goals. The architecture, integration method,
certification and operations are key to what will be an essential
component of future space missions, both robotic and
astronautic.