Session
Technical Session IIB: Advanced Operations Concept Systems
Abstract
This paper presents information on the current state of technology and potential subsystem and operational concepts to allow the use of low power optical communication systems to perform tracking, telemetry and commanding (IT &C) for small satellites. The mantra of 'smaller, faster, better (& cheaper)' has been realized, at least partially, for many aspects of small satellite design, construction and operations. Most small spacecraft systems have become smaller, lighter and more power efficient while offering greater performance. Unfortunately, one area that has not followed this general trend is IT &C. In many ways, this situation takes on greater significance due to the successes in other areas relating to processors, memory and sensor capability. Technology improvements in these areas have increased the capabilities of small satellites to collect, process and store data on-board the satellite to such a point that the ability of the spacecraft to generate data has outpaced its ability to communicate it to the ground. One approach to resolving this situation is to make use of optical communications technology for IT&C.
Optical Tracking Telemetry and Commanding (TT&C) for Small Satellites
This paper presents information on the current state of technology and potential subsystem and operational concepts to allow the use of low power optical communication systems to perform tracking, telemetry and commanding (IT &C) for small satellites. The mantra of 'smaller, faster, better (& cheaper)' has been realized, at least partially, for many aspects of small satellite design, construction and operations. Most small spacecraft systems have become smaller, lighter and more power efficient while offering greater performance. Unfortunately, one area that has not followed this general trend is IT &C. In many ways, this situation takes on greater significance due to the successes in other areas relating to processors, memory and sensor capability. Technology improvements in these areas have increased the capabilities of small satellites to collect, process and store data on-board the satellite to such a point that the ability of the spacecraft to generate data has outpaced its ability to communicate it to the ground. One approach to resolving this situation is to make use of optical communications technology for IT&C.
