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Results from the Galileo Laser Uplink: A JPL Demonstration of Deep-Space Optical CommunicationsThe successful completion of the Galileo Optical Experiment (GOPEX), represented the accomplishment of a significant milestone in JPL's optical communication plan. The experiment demonstrated the first transmission of a narrow laser beam to a deep-space vehicle. Laser pulses were beamed to the Galileo spacecraft by Earth-based transmitters at the Table Mountain Facility (TMF), California, and Starfire Optical Range (SOR), New Mexico. The experiment took place over an eight-day period (December 9 through December 16, 1992) as Galileo receded from Earth on its way to Jupiter, and covered ranges from 1 to 6 million kilometers (15 times the Earth-Moon distance), the laser uplink from TMF covered the longest known range for laser beam transmission and detection. This demonstration is the latest in a series of accomplishments by JPL in the development of deep-space optical communications technology.
Document ID
20060042364
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Wilson, K. E.
Lesh, J. R.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
April 21, 1993
Subject Category
Communications And Radar
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Lasers experiment optical communications Galileo deep-space vehicle uplink

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