Optical Communications and Sensor Demonstration (OCSD)
Project Introduction
The OCSD mission will demonstrate high-speed optical transmission of data using a miniature laser communications system that will increase downlink data rates for small spacecraft from the typical existing rates of about 10 kilobits per second (kb/s) to a theoretical limit of 200 megabits per second (Mb/s). The mission will also demonstrate small spacecraft proximity operations and RF-crosslinking of data between two spacecraft. OCSD includes two flight demonstrations, a single satellite engineering risk reduction flight with a 1.5U CubeSat and then the full demonstration mission with two 1.5U CubeSats.
More »Anticipated Benefits
The optical communication technology flown on OCSD has the potential greatly increase the data downlink capability for CubeSats to up to 200 Mb/s. This will extend the capability of CubeSats and further enable their use for CubeSats high value data-intensive science missions. Additionally the proximity operations element of the demonstration will help develop capabilities for servicing, support, and other operations requiring relative maneuvering of small spacecraft.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Aerospace Corporation | Lead Organization | Industry | El Segundo, California |
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- The Aerospace Corporation
Responsible Program:
- Small Spacecraft Technology
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Richard Welle
Project Duration
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 5 |
| Current: | 7 |
| Estimated End: | 7 |
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX05 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TX05.1 Optical Communications
- TX05.1.3 Lasers
Target Destination
