Resumen

ARVIZU-MONDRAGON, Arturo et al. Optical Spatial synchronization system for optical communications on small satellites operating in low-earth orbit. Ing. invest. y tecnol. [online]. 2020, vol.21, n.1, e00009.  Epub 03-Ago-2020. ISSN 2594-0732.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fi.25940732e.2020.21n1.009.

In this paper, we report the development of a spatial optical synchronization system required in small satellites operating in low-earth orbit to establish an optical communication link between the satellite and an earth station. As a fundamental part of this system, we designed and implemented a precision gimbal with two degrees of freedom controlled by fine adjustment screws and an ad-hoc algorithm. We generate in the laboratory an artificial star using a laser source, monomode fiber and an astronomical telescope. Before that the satellite be eventually placed in orbit, it is possible to certify the good performance of our gimbal with respect to the tracking of an optical beacon using such artificial star in laboratory tests. We also report the characterization of the performance of our gimbal subsystem in atmospheric optical links. On the other hand, as a basis for this design, we took into account that prior to the acquisition of the optical beacon a coarse tracking process would be carried out through the RF, GPS and attitude system stages, which would be part of the platform of the satellite under design. Thus, the ephemerides of the satellite trajectory are a fundamental part in the process of acquisition, tracking, and initial pointing of the system. Due to the complexity of the system reported in this paper, the participation of specialists from various institutions such as CICESE, INAOE, Cetys Universidad campus Ensenada and the National Astronomic Observatory-UNAM in Ensenada, B.C., Mexico, was required. We developed the subsystems reported in this paper within the framework of a project with funds from the Mexican Space Agency.

Palabras llave : Gimbal; acquisition; tracking; pointing; optical beacon.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )