Lowering the Cost of Mission Operations through End-to End Automation and Distributed Operations
- Paper number
IAC-04-IAA.4.11.3.09
- Author
Mrs. Elaine Hansen, University of Colorado at Boulder, United States
- Year
2004
- Abstract
Exploration of the solar system is on the agenda of all major space agencies. Missions are being evaluated to explore in the next decade the Moon, Mars and Mercury with the scientific probes using sophisticated instruments and complex technology. Science return and high bandwidth communications are one of the key issues to support the foreseen endeavours on these next generation missions. Interplanetary telecommunication systems are required that support the foreseen endeavours. Given the same constraints in terms of mass, power and volume a laser communications (lasercomm) terminal can offer an increase in telemetry bandwidth over classical RF technology allowing for a variety of new options, specifically to missions that require very large distances, such as to the Moon, to Liberation points L1 and L2, eventually aiming at deep space missions. This increase in telemetry data rate allows the mission to consider the processing of raw scientific data to take place on ground rather than applying data compression / pre-processing data on-board the satellite, making use of latest technology that may have been further developed during the cruise phase of the probe. In addition, enhanced sensing techniques that generate more science data return could be used and access to data during flight could be faster.
Since 2003, Oerlikon Space is investigating together with support from ESA the optimal use of lasercomm for an integrated RF-optical TTC subsystem for deep space applications. Next to novel concepts for optical beam steering, a key issue involved is the optimal modulation format. PPM lasercomm was found to provide many advantages over established communications subsystems, especially for very large link distances. In the frame of an ESA contract, Oerlikon Space has developed a PPM based optical breadboard that was tested by end of 2007 for a simulated 1.5 million kilometer link distance in an inter-island link campaign. Currently Oerlikon Space is investigating the feasibility of optical telemetry to support missions to Mars. This requires the development of a communications breadboard for optical telemetry at distances at 300 kbps over a distance of 400 million kilometers.
Results of on-going activities will be presented, comprising PPM communications and advanced tracking concepts. An overview will be given of the system concept for an integrated RF-optical TTC transponder. Results will be shown from hardware tests on communications performance in inter-island test campaigns. Possible synergies with communications needs for closer targets, like for instance the Moon, are identified.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-04-IAA.4.11.3.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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