Lighthouse: an externally mountable high-power beacon for use in optical ground stations

Stijn Mast; Thomas Dreischer; Remco den Breeje; Guus Borst; André Glas; Raj Nalla; Arjan Greven

doi:10.1117/12.2656475

15 March 2023 Lighthouse: an externally mountable high-power beacon for use in optical ground stations

Stijn Mast, Thomas Dreischer, Remco den Breeje, Guus Borst, André Glas, Raj Nalla, Arjan Greven

Proceedings Volume 12413, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXV; 124131R (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2656475
Event: SPIE LASE, 2023, San Francisco, California, United States

Conference Poster

Abstract

Robust laser beam pointing, acquisition and tracking capabilities are key to enable the next generation of laser communication applications. This paper highlights key elements of the design concept, performance simulations and test results of Lighthouse, a wavelength-agnostic and externally mountable high-power beacon for use in optical ground stations, developed by Airbus Netherlands. During the optical communications link, the beacon operates in a static stare-mode, which offers fast and reliable acquisition and re-acquisition capabilities. Lighthouse also offers the capability of automated co-alignment with the telescope system on which it is hosted, by making use of a highly accurate and rotating retroreflector. Uplink beam propagation simulations show that using multiple Lighthouse units in a single optical ground station allow for the effective mitigation of adverse turbulence effects by leveraging the multi-beam effect. A factory test campaign characterizes the performance of the beacon including time traces of the laser output power, the beam quality and the pointing stability. The turbulence simulation results and test results feed into a comprehensive link budget for various mission scenarios. The validation of the multi-mission concept is planned in frame of the TELEO GEO in-orbit demonstration in Q3 2023.

Citation Download Citation

Stijn Mast, Thomas Dreischer, Remco den Breeje, Guus Borst, André Glas, Raj Nalla, and Arjan Greven "Lighthouse: an externally mountable high-power beacon for use in optical ground stations", Proc. SPIE 12413, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXV, 124131R (15 March 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2656475

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