12 meter Class Segmented Optical Communications Antenna
| Programme: | TRP Workplan | Achieved TRL: | 3 |
| Reference: | T606-12GS | Closure: | 2017 |
| Contractor(s): | MT Mechatronics (DE), FFH-HHI (DE) | ||
Optical communication for deep space applications has the potential to provide the means to increase data throughput in space to Earth links. Such efforts are critical for the realisation of ESTRACK's future deep space optical communication capability.
One of the main challenges is the design of a large effective aperture /collecting area within a tight budget envelope. While optical communications can benefit from simpler optical performance specifications compared to classical astronomical telescopes, the additional requirement of day and night operation and the associated thermo-mechanical design with metrology and active optics are unique to the application and not known today.
Objectives
The activity aimed to address the feasibility of a 10-12 meter class single aperture optical telescope for deep space communications as well as to elaborate on an advanced conceptual design.
Achievements and status
The design of a 12 meter segmented optical communications antenna for day and night operation has been made. Critical areas have been identified, in particular those requiring further developments to increase maturity levels and/or decrease cost.
Benefits
There are a number of areas which will benefit from the development of the antenna:
- Detectors
- Adaptive Optics
- Narrow band tunable spectral filters
- Solar rejection filters
- Low cost segments
Next steps
The activity will be followed by breadboarding of critical items with the goal of in-orbit demonstration of the Deep-space Optical Communications System (DOCS).
