Design and control of a steering mirror for a freespace optical communications CubeSat for gigabit inter-satellite links

Christopher Graham*, David Bramall, Othman Younus, Amna Riaz, Richard Binns, Eamon Scullion, Robert T. Wicks, Cyril Bourgenot

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) are critical aspects of both uplink and downlink Free Space Optical (FSO) communications systems, ensuring precise targeting of the optical signal from the transmitter to the receiver. PAT systems provide steering and tracking capabilities in order to establish and maintain an optical link, compensating for the relative satellite motion, atmospheric turbulence, vibration and jitter. A novel method for achieving closed loop control between the steering mirrors of a dual channel free space optical communications terminal is presented. By modifying an off-the-shelf open loop stick-slip actuator, the control system achieves a pointing resolution of 0.002° with under a 15% increase in mass, resulting in a light weight solution suitable for small satellites.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCubeSats, SmallSats, and Hosted Payloads for Remote Sensing VIII
EditorsSachidananda R. Babu, Thomas S. Pagano, Jeffery J. Puschell
Place of PublicationSan Diego
PublisherSPIE
Volume13146
ISBN (Electronic)9781510679528
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Oct 2024
EventCubeSats, SmallSats, and Hosted Payloads for Remote Sensing VIII 2024 - San Diego, United States
Duration: 18 Aug 202419 Aug 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13146
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceCubeSats, SmallSats, and Hosted Payloads for Remote Sensing VIII 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period18/08/2419/08/24

Keywords

  • acquisition
  • CubeSat
  • fast steering mirror
  • free-space optical communication
  • low-earth orbit
  • pointing acquisition tracking
  • position sensing detector
  • tracking

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