We proposed to expand the bandwidth of free space optical (FSO) communications to 100G for lunar and Lagrange points while using available low-cost and low size, weight, and power (SWaP) technologies. We propose to develop 100G space laser transceiver technology that specifically address the unique properties of these longer-range missions and bridging the gap between terrestrial and Geo, Lunar and L1/L2 mission applications. This is in contract to LEO efforts where the range is 1000km. This program will develop Cubes, Small and Large Satellite, mission ready, TRL 6 technology ready for program infusion in an ultra-compact 1 kg, < 1 U CubeSat form factor with the expected reliability for long duration missions. The program leveraging cost effective terrestrial fibercom 100G, photonic integrated circuits, coherent modules for long-range space-based free space optical (FSO) links. Our link budget indicates that 100G-200G is feasible with a ground station telescope of 1-6 meters in diameter, with smaller 10-20 cm satellite telescopes. The proposed technology is supports GEO downlink, GEO-GEO, Lunar, and potentially L1 and L2 ranges with sufficient ground station receiver aperture. Supports NASA Scan office roadmap for 100G everywhere in space. Support very long-range utilizing NASAs Optical and RF combo Telescope and antenna system currently under development. The telescope diameter is 5-10 meter telescope being developed by NASA for DSN applications. High bandwidth is a key enabler to expand NASA human spaceflight operations, telerobotic, astronaut HD video and SMD science for Lunar missions. Enables NASA Heliophysics vision for affordable, sun sensing SmallSat constellations at L1, L2 for space weather, astronaut safety missions and SMD heliophysics science. Technical approach leverages terrestrial fibercom photonic integrated circuit (PIC) providing advanced technology at low cost for space. Ready for program insertion in 2025. Anticipated
Benefits: Support Lunar Artemis human exploration missions NASA state-of-the-art mesh networked lasercom capability to support SCaN deployment of optical communications Deep Space & Heliophysics Space weather, Sun studies out to L1, L2 at 100 Gbps Near Earth science missions Increased data rate for SmallSat sensors Near Earth GEO and cis-lunar, lunar orbital, Lagrange Point L1, L2 Future NASA SmallSat and CubeSat constellations with science missions that need optical coms to support high data rates including multispectral imaging sensors DoD and U.S. Government for intelligence imagery. GEO, MEO, LEO CLPS commercial lunar payload services companies High data-rate, low-cost commercial optical communications from LEO/GEO satellites
