A Modular Miniature Satellite Laser Communictions Transceiver

For this Phase II proposal, Space Photonics puts forth highly innovative solutions for multi-access spacecraft clusters using our proposed miniature modular free space laser communications transceiver subsystem. Our innovation uses MEMs technology todirect and acquire laser crosslink signals. This eliminates the need for the large, power hungry, mechanical gimbals previously required for laser crosslink pointing, acquisition and tracking. Our unique use of MEMs technology will produce a compact, low power design with a wide field of view and extremely high data transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps). Because of the extreme compactness of our design, ourtransceivers can be easily integrated to provide a full 360¿ azimuth crosslink communications capability. Additionally, our laser crosslink transceiver provides enhanced utility for open architecture implementations, optimized link power budget efficiency,and straightforward modular spacecraft power and data bus interfaces. Our innovative designs and implementation techniques were not possible just a few years ago. However, recent advances in devices and fabrication technology have made the implementationof our innovations not only realizable but also practical and will provide enormous value and functionality to laser crosslink systems.