Channel characterization for air-to-ground free-space optical communication links

Shortt, Kevin; Giggenbach, Dirk; Calvo, Ramon Mata; Moll, Francesc; Fuchs, Christian; Schmidt, Christopher C.; Horwath, Joachim; Yeh, Jack; Selvaraj, Vevek; Banerjee, Ranjoy

doi:10.1117/12.2039834

Cited by 7 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Further use of the OGS-OP are channel measurement and communications tests for satellite downlinks as done in the framework of the KIODO project [24], [25] and currently in the experiments with the OPALS system onboard the International Space Station [26]. Furthermore, measurement campaigns were also undertaken for channel characterization in the air-ground scenario [27].…”

Section: Ground Stationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aerospace laser communications technology as enabler for worldwide quantum key distribution

et al. 2016

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A worldwide growing interest in fast and secure data communications pushes technology development along two lines. While fast communications can be realized using laser communications in fiber and free-space, inherently secure communications can be achieved using quantum key distribution (QKD). By combining both technologies in a single device, many synergies can be exploited, therefore reducing size, weight and power of future systems. In recent experiments we demonstrated quantum communications over large distances as well as between an aircraft and a ground station which proved the feasibility of QKD between moving partners. Satellites thus may be used as trusted nodes in combination with QKD receiver stations on ground, thereby enabling fast and secure communications on a global scale. We discuss the previous experiment with emphasis on necessary developments to be done and corresponding ongoing research work of German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU). DLR is performing research on satellite and ground terminals for the high-rate laser communication component, which are enabling technologies for the QKD link. We describe the concept and hardware of three generations of OSIRIS (Optical High Speed Infrared Link System) laser communication terminals for low Earth orbiting satellites. The first type applies laser beam pointing solely based on classical satellite control, the second uses an optical feedback to the satellite bus and the third, currently being in design phase, comprises of a special coarse pointing assembly to control beam direction independent of satellite orientation. Ongoing work also targets optical terminals for CubeSats. A further increase of beam pointing accuracy can be achieved with a fine pointing assembly. Two ground stations will be available for future testing, an advanced stationary ground station and a transportable ground station. In parallel the LMU QKD source size will be reduced by more than an order of magnitude thereby simplifying its integration into future free-space optical communication links with CubeSats.

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Section: Ground Stationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aerospace laser communications technology as enabler for worldwide quantum key distribution

et al. 2016

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“…The basis is the design of the Freespace Experimental Laser Terminal II (FELTII) of DLR which was previously used for testing data downlinks from the Dornier Do228 aircraft [13] [21], airborne channel measurements of atmospheric turbulence [22] and quantum communication [23]. Whereas the FELTII essentially serves as an experimental platform for various kinds of experiments, the MLT exploits the potential of the FELTII design in view of miniaturization, increased agility, and robustness and pushes the development towards a commercial product.…”

Section: Aircraft Terminalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Demonstration of High-Rate Laser Communications From a Fast Airborne Platform

Moll

Horwath

Shrestha

et al. 2015

IEEE J. Select. Areas Commun.

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In this paper, we report on the demonstration of a high-rate free-space optical communication downlink from a fast airborne platform to a ground station. The flight platform used was a Panavia Tornado with a laser communication terminal installed in an attached avionic demonstrator pod. A transportable optical ground station equipped with a free-space receiver frontend was used as the receiver station. Downlink wavelength for communication and uplink wavelength for beacon laser were chosen to be compatible with the C-band DWDM grid. New opto-mechanical tracking systems were developed and applied on both sides for link acquisition and stabilization. The flight tests were carried out at the end of November 2013 near the Airbus Defence & Space location in Manching, Germany. The campaign successfully demonstrated the maturity and readiness of laser communication for aircraft downlinks at a data rate of 1.25 Gbit/s. We outline the experiment design based on link budget assessments, the developed opto-mechanical terminal technology, and the results of the flight campaign. The experiment itself focused on the tracking performance of the airborne terminal and the ground station. Performance could be measured at aircraft speeds up to Mach 0.7 and video data from an onboard camera was transmitted. Tracking accuracies of up to 20 µrad rms for the airborne terminal and the ground station were achieved at instantaneous tracking errors below 60 µrad and 40 µrad, respectively. The tracking link worked up to a horizontal distance of 79 km and data transmission was possible up to 50 km.

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“…Depending on the individual measurement needs, the assembly differs for different projects. The measurement setup of the ALTAO measurement campaign (aircraft-ground link) [17] is shown in the right graph of Figure 3.3. The received beam is collimated and a pupil is imaged onto the FPA (active mirror) under use of lenses L1 and L2.…”

Section: Optical Measurement Setupmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Aircraft-ground data downlinks (A/C-DL) experiments were done in the framework of the project ARGOS and VABENE [20,21]. Channel measurements in the same scenario were done in the ALTAO project to characterize the optical turbulence for adaptive optics specification [17]. Feasibility of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in the space-ground scenario was demonstrated by an air-ground test campaign with a QKD transmitter installed in an aircraft and a QKD receiver integrated in the OGS-OP [22].…”

Section: Former Current and Future Deploymentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ground stations for aeronautical and space laser communications at German Aerospace Center

2015

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Free-space laser communications are subject of current research and development in many research and industrial bodies. Long distance air-ground and space-ground can be implemented in future communication networks as feeder, backbone and backhaul links for various air-and space-based scenarios. The Institute of Communications and Navigation of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) operates two ground stations to investigate the communication channel and system: the Optical Ground Station Oberpfaffenhofen and the Transportable Optical Ground Station. The first one is a fixed installation and operated as experimental station with focus on channel measurements and tests of new developments. Various measurement devices, communication receivers and optical setups may easily be installed for different objectives. The facility is described with its dome installation, telescope setup and infrastructure. Past and current deployment in several projects is described and selected measurement achievements presented. The second ground station is developed for semi-operational use and demonstration purposes. Based on experience with the experimental ground station, this one is developed with higher level of integration and system robustness. The focus application is the space-ground and air-ground downlink of payload data from Earth observation missions. Therefore, it is also designed to be easily transportable for worldwide deployment. The system is explained and main components are discussed. The characteristics of both ground stations are presented and discussed. Further advancements in the equipment and capability are also presented.

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Channel characterization for air-to-ground free-space optical communication links

Cited by 7 publications

References 9 publications

Aerospace laser communications technology as enabler for worldwide quantum key distribution

Aerospace laser communications technology as enabler for worldwide quantum key distribution

Demonstration of High-Rate Laser Communications From a Fast Airborne Platform

Ground stations for aeronautical and space laser communications at German Aerospace Center

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