Passive Communication Options for Miniature Satellites

There are many uses for miniature satellites, from Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to communications relays and platforms for scientific experiments. The small size and inexpensive nature of these platforms permits a larger number of satellites to be launched from one vehicle, and also increases the total functionality of our space assets by encouraging earlier launches of leading edge technologies and devices. Communication with miniature satellites remains a challenge, however, since their small size and limited power generation conflict with their need for long-distance communication links. We propose to design, fabricate and test an Amplified Retroreflecting Optical Communication (AROC) system that 1) eliminates the need for a precision tracking system on the satellite, 2) eliminates the need for a satellite-mounted, high-power laser transmitter, 3) significantly reduces the pointing accuracy requirements of the satellite attitude control system, and 4) reduces the optical power requirements from the ground station. The AROC comprises a first-ever bi-directional, Mbps communication technique that amplifies the optical signal so that it has sufficient strength to be received by a ground station, while simultaneously permitting full-duplex high-data-rate communication with satellites in low-earth orbit (LEO).