Economical 10-m-class ground-based receiver for deep-space optical communications

Dennis Wonica

doi:10.1117/12.184676

16 August 1994 Economical 10-m-class ground-based receiver for deep-space optical communications

Dennis Wonica

Proceedings Volume 2123, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies VI; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184676
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Modifications to an existing radiofrequency telescope are described which would enable it to operate as an R&D optical receiver terminal for deep-space communications. The low overall cost of the telescope is due to the unique process of fabricating the 10.4 meter primary mirror and its support structure, the lightweight of the primary (< 15 kg/m²), and the requirement that the telescope act only as a photon bucket, which lowers the cost of optically figuring and polishing the mirror. The entire optical ground terminal facility is estimated to cost approximately $DLR10 M to construct.

Citation Download Citation

Dennis Wonica "Economical 10-m-class ground-based receiver for deep-space optical communications", Proc. SPIE 2123, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies VI, (16 August 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184676

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