Multibeam Optical Communications Transmitter/Receiver

Future high bandwidth satellite communications will utilize free-space lasers, which provide high bandwidth, low probability of intercept and jam resistant communication between satellites and ground assets. A current network uses a satellite with aseparate transmitter and receiver for each communication link. Current world events demonstrated that there are applications for multiple communication links between close proximity assets. However, multiple transmitters on a single satellite increasessatellite complexity, weight, system cost and launch cost. A wide field-of-view transmitter/receiver system could mitigate those challenges. Further advantages would be gained by leveraging from existing telecommunication technology. Breault ResearchOrganization (BRO) proposes to determine the feasibility of leveraging existing telecommunication components and other assets into a satellite's communication system in order to allow one transceiver to communicate to multiple targets within thefield-of-view of the transceiver. With the increased dynamic nature of the modern battlefield, communication with multiple assets is critical to mission success. The technology described in this proposal leverages existing technology, which reducescost and development time to a fielded unit. Though this system is designed for a military application, transition to commercial satellites would help reduce their deployment and other long-term costs. One wide field-of-view geostationary satelliteacting as a node, directing and switching multiple communication channels could replace several satellites performing the same function. This would greatly benefit the satellite industry.