Nanosatellite optical downlink experiment: design, simulation, and prototyping

Clements, Emily; Aniceto, Raichelle; Barnes, Derek; Caplan, D.O.; Clark, James R.; Portillo, Iñigo del; Haughwout, Christian; Khatsenko, Maxim; Kingsbury, Ryan; Lee, Myron; Morgan, Rachel; Twichell, J.C.; Riesing, Kathleen; Yoon, Hee Chang; Ziegler, Caleb; Cahoy, Kerri

doi:10.1117/1.oe.55.11.111610

Cited by 40 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Optical communication provides an attractive alternative to RF communication by virtue of its lower power demand and high data rate. The use of a beacon laser and optical communication using a laser beam between a ground station and a LEO CubeSat have been separately investigated by other groups [55,56,57]. We will implement a very similar design as those explored by the groups mentioned here, and DLR in particular [55].…”

Section: Beacon Lasersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanobob: a cubesat mission concept for quantum communication experiments in an uplink configuration

Kerstel

Bourdarot

LeCoarer

et al. 2019

International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2018

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We present a ground-to-space quantum key distribution (QKD) mission concept and the accompanying feasibility study for the development of the low earth orbit CubeSat payload. The quantum information is carried by single photons with the binary codes represented by polarization states of the photons. Distribution of entangled photons between the ground and the satellite can be used to certify the quantum nature of the link: a guarantee that no eavesdropping can take place. By placing the entangled photon source on the ground, the space segments contains "only" the less complex detection system, enabling its implementation in a compact enclosure, compatible with the 12U CubeSat standard (12 dm 3 ). This reduces the overall cost of the project, making it an ideal choice as a pathfinder for future European quantum communication satellite missions. The space segment is also more versatile than one that contains the source since it is compatible with a multiple of QKD protocols (not restricted to entangled photon schemes) and can be used in quantum physics experiments, such as the investigation of entanglement decoherence. Other possible experiments include atmospheric transmission/turbulence characterization, dark area mapping, fine pointing and tracking, and accurate clock synchronization; all crucial for future global scale quantum communication efforts.

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Section: Beacon Lasersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanobob: a cubesat mission concept for quantum communication experiments in an uplink configuration

Kerstel

Bourdarot

LeCoarer

et al. 2019

International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2018

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The use of a beacon laser and optical communication using a laser beam between a ground station and a LEO CubeSat have been separately investigated by other groups [58][59][60]. We will implement a very similar design as those explored by the groups mentioned here, and DLR in particular [58].…”

Section: Beacon Lasersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanobob: a CubeSat mission concept for quantum communication experiments in an uplink configuration

Kerstel¹,

Gardelein²,

Barthélemy³

et al. 2018

EPJ Quantum Technol.

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We present a ground-to-space quantum key distribution (QKD) mission concept and the accompanying feasibility study for the development of the associated low earth orbit nanosatellite payload. The quantum information is carried by single photons with the binary codes represented by polarization states of the photons. Distribution of entangled photons between the ground and the satellite can be used to certify the quantum nature of the link: a guarantee that no eavesdropping can take place. By placing the entangled photon source on the ground, the space segments contains "only" the less complex detection system, enabling its implementation in a compact enclosure, compatible with the 12U CubeSat standard (∼12 dm 3). This reduces the overall cost of the project, making it an ideal choice as a pathfinder for future European quantum communication satellite missions. The space segment is also more versatile than one that contains the source since it is compatible with a multiple of QKD protocols (not restricted to entangled photon schemes) and can be used in quantum physics experiments, such as the investigation of entanglement decoherence. Other possible experiments include atmospheric transmission/turbulence characterization, dark area mapping, fine pointing and tracking, and accurate clock synchronization; all crucial for future global scale quantum communication efforts.

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“…Other types of optical MEMS devices have flown in/near space before, such as the single micromirror used on the MEMS Telescope for Extreme Lightning (MTEL) [40] and the microshutter array used in the Far-UV Off Rowland-circle Telescope for Imaging and Spectroscopy (FORTIS) sounding rocket instrument [41,42]. MEMS Fast Steering Mirrors (FSMs) have been proposed for pointing control in free space laser communications systems [43], and MEMS Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs) have been tested for space applications to be used as a programmable slit mask for multi-object spectroscopy [44].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

MEMS Deformable Mirrors for Space-Based High-Contrast Imaging

et al. 2019

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Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Deformable Mirrors (DMs) enable precise wavefront control for optical systems. This technology can be used to meet the extreme wavefront control requirements for high contrast imaging of exoplanets with coronagraph instruments. MEMS DM technology is being demonstrated and developed in preparation for future exoplanet high contrast imaging space telescopes, including the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission which supported the development of a 2040 actuator MEMS DM. In this paper, we discuss ground testing results and several projects which demonstrate the operation of MEMS DMs in the space environment. The missions include the Planet Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Recoverable Experiment (PICTURE) sounding rocket (launched 2011), the Planet Imaging Coronagraphic Technology Using a Reconfigurable Experimental Base (PICTURE-B) sounding rocket (launched 2015), the Planetary Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Recoverable Experiment - Coronagraph (PICTURE-C) high altitude balloon (expected launch 2019), the High Contrast Imaging Balloon System (HiCIBaS) high altitude balloon (launched 2018), and the Deformable Mirror Demonstration Mission (DeMi) CubeSat mission (expected launch late 2019). We summarize results from the previously flown missions and objectives for the missions that are next on the pad. PICTURE had technical difficulties with the sounding rocket telemetry system. PICTURE-B demonstrated functionality at >100 km altitude after the payload experienced 12-g RMS (Vehicle Level 2) test and sounding rocket launch loads. The PICTURE-C balloon aims to demonstrate 10 - 7 contrast using a vector vortex coronagraph, image plane wavefront sensor, and a 952 actuator MEMS DM. The HiClBaS flight experienced a DM cabling issue, but the 37-segment hexagonal piston-tip-tilt DM is operational post-flight. The DeMi mission aims to demonstrate wavefront control to a precision of less than 100 nm RMS in space with a 140 actuator MEMS DM.

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Nanosatellite optical downlink experiment: design, simulation, and prototyping

Cited by 40 publications

References 37 publications

Nanobob: a cubesat mission concept for quantum communication experiments in an uplink configuration

Nanobob: a cubesat mission concept for quantum communication experiments in an uplink configuration

Nanobob: a CubeSat mission concept for quantum communication experiments in an uplink configuration

MEMS Deformable Mirrors for Space-Based High-Contrast Imaging

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