Gimbal-less Free-Space Optical Communications Terminal with Photonic Integrated Circuits

Space Micro and Stanford Research Institute (SRI) propose to drastically reduce SWAP-C of intersatellite free-space optical (FSO) communications (aka “Lasercom”) terminals using a magnetic levitated bearing with an optical phased array for planar beam expansion. Microrobots moving by magnetic levitation have been matured to TRL 6-7 by SRI. Vacuum operation has been demonstrated. Commercial Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are maturing rapidly and are experiencing exponential growth reminiscent of the early days of silicon electronic ICs. Space Micro has previously developed and delivered free-space optical communications payloads for commercial space applications with advanced acquisition and tracking control. During phase I, we will perform the remaining system engineering to show how these technologies are combined to achieve an FSO terminal that does not require a heavy and expensive gimballed telescope.