Laser Communications Crosslink (LaserComXL)

ATA proposes to develop an optical communications terminal with low SWaP-C that enables high data rate communications between GPS satellites. Our proposed Laser Communications Crosslink (LaserComXL) terminal integrates advanced ATA line-of-sight stabilization, tracking and pointing technologies with space-qualified laser and detector technologies into a compact package with multiple optical heads capable of simultaneously maintaining links to multiple other satellites in the GPS constellation. ATAs low SWaP-C GPS crosslink system combines high photon efficiency optical communications technologies with ATAs expertise in stabilization, tracking, and space optical terminals. High photon efficiency optical communications concepts have demonstrated high rate communications with small apertures and low transmitted laser power. Each LaserComXL terminal set would contain two independently operating optical heads sharing a common reference star tracker. We will mount two terminal sets on opposite sides of a satellite to support four independently addressable simultaneous links to neighboring satellites within the constellation. Each optical head would contain apertures of approximately 25 mm diameter. The terminal set weight goal is 10 pounds with a power goal of 40 watts.