FUNCAT
Fundamental research into gimballed systems for Optical Intersatellite Communication Active Terminal
The objective of the project is to answer a range of fundamental research questions related to achieving symmetric communication in Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs), wireless Coarse Pointing Assemblies (CPAs), and gimballed systems for Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) terminals.
The research is related to future applications for OISL and Data Relay terminals to differentiate in key technology aspects for next generations. This ties into the strategic roadmap of TNO for space terminal developments.
Fundamental research performed in this TKI will allow TNO and the industrial partner (FSO Instruments) to research the future generations of enabling technologies for optical satellite communications. Three key innovation leaps are planned. These should enable the Netherlands to position itself at ‘control points’ for some laser satcom use-cases. 1. Symmetric links: Use of future technologies is crucial for genderless terminals or ability of coherent communication. 2. Gimballed CPA for MEO terminals: To achieve the reliable and efficient new generation laser satcom terminals in MEO. 3. Wireless CPA: Incorporating new technologies such as contactless CPAs can provide improvement on stability, reliability and prolong the lifetime of CPA’s.