Center Innovation Fund: ARC CIF
Free Space Optical Communications for Nanosats
Project Description
We will develop this project in 3 stages: modeling, lab demo, and field testing. Modeling: We will create a model of the gray scale, in contrast to binary, data transmission problem. We will model the MRR contrast response versus voltages operation speed. We will include scintillation and atmosphere turbulence modeling for different air masses (i.e. atmosphere thickness crossed at a given angle). The outcome will be the optimal operational parameters.
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Anticipated Benefits
Communications with nanosats, and in general, with any kind of spacecraft that does not have a high-gain directional antenna and associated pointing and power-generating capabilities, is limited to low data communication rates, hindering the quantity of information that can be downloaded. Enabling data intensive applications for nanosats, such as imaging, through the use of a power-efficient technology with minimal pointing requirements (tens of degrees), is potentially a game-changer
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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