Optical Data Links for L1 and Mars Missions
- Paper number
IAC-05-B3.6.01
- Author
Mr. Manfred Wittig, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Year
2005
- Abstract
For the exploration of Mars by robotic and later by human missions, an increase of the data rates is expected. The limitation of the deep space spacecraft is that a limited antenna can be installed. Also on ground, the antenna size is limited by konstructive arguments. A potential increase of the data rate is possible by increasing the carrier frequency. The quantum leap is to move from the microwave region to the optical wavelength region. In this paper the concept and architectural design of an optical communication system for a Mars mission and a data relay hub at L1 will be presented which allows an increase of the data rate, compared with a microwave link, by one order of magnitude.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B3.6.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.