The results from this SBIR effort will demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that we can detect incoming laser communications signals from distant spacecraft, while also transmitting lower-information content back to the spacecraft, if necessary. The principal application will be to receive the signals from space for processing on the ground. As a consequence, NASA will be able to communicate with these distant spacecraft using very small SWAP systems, which can enable larger payloads for experiments other than communications. The commercial implications are significant, as the transceivers can be used in terrestrial applications involving aircraft, where communication through significant atmospheric turbulence is required.
The results from this SBIR effort will demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that we can detect incoming laser communications signals from distant spacecraft, while also transmitting lower-information content back to the spacecraft, if necessary. The principal application will be to receive the signals from space for processing on the ground. As a consequence, NASA will be able to communicate with these distant spacecraft using very small SWAP systems, which can enable larger payloads for experiments other than communications. The commercial implications are significant, as the transceivers can be used in terrestrial applications involving aircraft, where communication through significant atmospheric turbulence is required.
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