PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The general idea of the OPTEL‑µ product is to establish a robust direct detection lasercom system for space-to-ground communications from low earth orbit. OPTEL‑µ aims at developing a high performance, micro sized optical terminal for small/micro-satellites. The OPTEL‑µ miniature laser terminal provides access to optical frequencies for communications at minimised on-board resources. This will enable small/micro-satellites to provide downlink capabilities similar to larger platforms, but equally in line with their limited resources.
The project TESLA targets the development of an OPTEL‑µ Engineering Model of the space terminal and of a prototype of the ground terminal. The main parameters were established together with ESA in the preceding START study. The TESLA EM hardware of the space terminal implements the full functionality and performance but has minor deviations to the flight design with respect to form and fit. The main goal is to demonstrate the entire system and to test the required performances.
Consequently in the TESLA ARTES 5.2 activity the following equipment shall be developed:
- OPTEL‑µ EM: Engineering model of a small optical terminal,
- Ground terminal prototype.
Challenges
- Reduced resource requirements: The OPTEL µ is targeting to meet 4.5 kg, 4.5 litres and 45 W goals in respect to the required resources.
- High data rate performance: Targeting up to 1 Gbps downlink rate per optical channel.
- Direct optical downlink through the atmosphere.
Plan
The TESLA project consists of the phases B1 and B2. Phase B1 lasts 12 months and finishes with the BDR focuses on breadboard activities to mitigate technical risks and will confirm the design concept. A channel characterization test at the end of phase B1 will allow a critical assessment of the system performance of the selected concept. Also in this phase the ground terminal prototype will be developed and utilized for the channel characterization test.
Phase B2, lasting 16 months, will then focus on the EM design of the space terminal and the final system test.
Current Status
The project TESLA is in Phase B1. The System Requirements Review was successfully held in November 2011. Currently the preliminary design of the Space Terminal is being performed and breadboard manufacturing as well as breadboard tests of critical components and assemblies are on-going. The ground terminal prototype has been designed and manufactured and the channel parameterisation test is being prepared to be performed in spring 2012. The Baseline Design Review for OPTEL‑µ is planned for April 2012.
