Laser communications for human space exploration in cislunar space: ILLUMA-T and O2O

B. S. Robinson, T. Shih, F. I. Khatri, D. M. Boroson, J. W. Burnside, O. Guldner, S. Constantine, J. Torres, T. M. Yarnall, C. E. Devoe, W. Hubbard, D. J. Geisler, M. L. Stevens, O. Mikulina, N. W. Spellmeyer, J. P. Wang, R. Butler, M. Hogan, T. King, A. Seas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

In recent years, NASA has been developing a scalable, modular space terminal architecture to provide low-cost laser communications for a wide range of near-Earth applications. This development forms the basis for two upcoming demonstration missions. The Integrated Low-Earth Orbit Laser Communications Relay Demonstration User Modem and Amplifier Optical Communications Terminal (ILLUMA-T) will develop a user terminal for platforms in low-Earth orbit which will be installed on the International Space Station and demonstrate relay laser communications via NASA's Laser Communication Relay Demonstration (LCRD) in geo-synchronous orbit. The Orion EM-2 Optical Communication Demonstration (O2O) will develop a terminal which will be installed on the first manned launch of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and provide direct-to-Earth laser communications from lunar ranges. We describe the objectives and link architectures of these two missions which aim to demonstrate the operational utility of laser communications for manned exploration in cislunar space.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationFree-Space Laser Communication and Atmospheric Propagation XXX
EditorsDon M. Boroson, Hamid Hemmati
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510615335
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
EventFree-Space Laser Communication and Atmospheric Propagation XXX 2018 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Jan 29 2018Jan 30 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10524
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherFree-Space Laser Communication and Atmospheric Propagation XXX 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period1/29/181/30/18

Keywords

  • free-space optical communication
  • human space exploration
  • international space station

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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