Demonstration of a modular, scalable, laser communication terminal for human spaceflight missions

Abstract

Free-space laser communication systems are increasingly implemented on state of the art satellites for their high-speed connectivity. This work outlines a demonstration of the Modular, Agile, Scalable Optical Terminal (MAScOT) we have developed to support Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) to deep-space communication links. In LEO, the MAScOT will be implemented on the International Space Station to support the Integrated Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) LEO User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) program. ILLUMA-T's overarching objective is to demonstrate high bandwidth data transfer between LEO and a ground station via a geosynchronous (GEO) relay satellite. Outside of LEO, the MAScOT will be implemented on the Artemis-II mission to demonstrate high data rate optical communications to and from the moon as part of the Optical to Orion (O2O) program. Both missions leverage the same modular architecture despite varying structural, thermal, and optical requirements. To achieve sufficient performance, the terminal relies on a nested tracking loop to realize sub-arcsecond pointing across a ±120 ° elevation and ±175° azimuth field of regard.