Optical Communications in Space – a Challenge for Europe

The successful test of a laser communication link between an ESA data-relay satellite and an Earth observation satellite marks a milestone in the development of optical space communications. It is the right moment to look back on more than 20 years of R & D effort in Europe. The paper gives an overview of the optical space communication activities at the European Space Agency (ESA), which have started in summer 1977, when ESA placed the first technology study contract in the domain of intersatellite optical links, and reports on the most recent European systems andhardware technology efforts aimed at the development of small and compact laser terminals for global mobile communication systems and satellite-based data networks.     

半导体星间激光链路试验通信的实现

评述了欧洲空间局ESA的半导体星间激光链路试验(）通信计划，着重对SILEX的通信过程和通信系统进行了描述，并给出了轨道测试结果。     

星间激光通信终端性能对比分析

提出了两种星间激光通信终端性能的比较方法，可为空间激光通信系统设计提供参考。以SILEX研究计划为例，简要分析了各种轨道之间光通信系统的特性及未来光学终端的升级方案。     

SILEX检测与验证

评述了首次实现星问光学连接的欧洲空间局(ESA)的SILEX计划的检测与验证方法,相信对我国星间光通信技术的研究与发展具有一定的促进作用。     

In-orbit demonstration of optical IOL/ISL—the silex project

The use of optical communications for the high-data-rate links of the future European Data Relay System (EDRS) is receiving much attention. To confirm the feasibility of such communications links, an experimental system (SILEX) consisting of three satellites (two in geostationary orbit and one in low earth orbit) is planned for 1992 or 1993 to demonstrate both inter-orbit link (IOL) and intersatellite link (ISL) capabilities. A detailed feasibility study was performed from January to July 1987 under a European Space Agency (ESA) contract with Matra (France) as prime contractor, ANT (West Germany), Telespazio and Selenia Spazio (Italy) as subcontractors, and contributions from Berlin (France) and Dornier (West Germany). The system is based on GaAlAs semiconductor technology (0.8 μm) with silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs) as detectors and arrays of charge-coupled devices (CCDs) for both acquisition and tracking sensors. The design will allow wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and high-data-rate transmission to be demonstrated. The expected data rates are 120 Mb/s duplex for ISL, 1 Mb/s on the IOL forward link (GEO→LEO) and two to four simultaneous 60 or 120 Mb/s channels on the IOL return link (LEO→GEO).     

Analysis of system parameters for LEO/ICO-satellite communicationnetworks

Currently many efforts are undertaken to develop and install communication networks based on low Earth orbit (LEO) and intermediate circular orbit (ICO) satellites. However, many problems are to be solved before the final operation of such networks. This paper deals with basic design problems of LEO/ICO-based networks. The topology of the satellite network is considered and estimates for the number of satellites necessary, orbits and number of communication channels per satellite are derived. The features and consequences of intersatellite links are discussed. The number of communication channels per link is derived with a more elaborate model. This includes the radio links from the satellites to mobile users and to gateways, as well as intersatellite links and terrestrial lines. We introduce a formal model for LEO/ICO based networks and propose a method for the evaluation of the link capacities, given the network topology and the traffic requirements. As an example, two constellations are investigated in detail. One of these constellations is the Iridium system proposed by Motorola, the other is the LEONET concept developed in an ESA study. Finally, the influence of unequal traffic distribution is discussed     

卫星相干光通信跟瞄误差对链路性能的影响

以星间相干激光通信链路的接收机相干效率为研究对象,分析了动态跟瞄误差对相干效率的影响,将相干效率引入到星间相干激光通信链路方程,推导了跟瞄误差波前失配条件下的相干光通信链路的误码率概率表达式,对卫星激光通信链路中跟瞄对准误差导致的相干效率下降、链路误码性能劣化情况进行了仿真计算。结果表明,由于跟瞄对准误差波前失配的影响,相干激光通信接收终端具有一个优化的接收孔径,在本仿真条件下,LEO-GEO星间链路动态跟瞄误差为0.5μrad时,优化接收孔径为0.5 m,链路可获得最佳误码性能。     

Laser satellite communication network-vibration effect and possiblesolutions

A number of serious consortiums develop satellite communication networks. The objective of these communication projects is to service personal communication users almost everywhere on Earth. The intersatellite links in those projects use microwave radiation as the carrier. Free-space optical communication between satellites networked together can make possible high-speed communication between different places on Earth. Some advantages of an optical communication system over a microwave communication system in free space are: (1) smaller size and weight, (2) less transmitter power, (3) larger bandwidth, and (4) higher immunity to interference. The pointing from one satellite to another is a complicated problem due to the large distance between the satellite, the narrow beam divergence angle, and vibration of the pointing system. Such vibration of the transmitted beam in the receiver plane decreases the average received signal, which increases the bit error rate. We review: (1) the present status of satellite networks, (2) developing efforts of optical satellite communication around the world, (3) performance results of vibration effects on different kinds of optical communication satellite networks, and (4) seven approaches to overcome the problems caused by transmitter pointing vibration     

XY-2号卫星激光通信载荷PAT在轨测试

针对低轨小卫星星座的通信需求，设计了基于双棱镜和四象限雪崩光电二极管(QAPD)结构收发同轴的激光通信载荷，该方案是无信标光体制，具有体积小、轻量化和大视场的特点。文中针对双棱镜结构，给出了双棱镜输入输出光线的计算模型，在此基础上，提出了星间指向、捕获和跟踪的实现方式，并在XY-2号卫星上进行了在轨测试和验证，进行指向测试时，更新了指向偏移量，标定了QAPD跟踪点，并进行了双向建链测试。进行了15次双向建链测试表明，该激光通信载荷捕获时间小于20 s，捕获成功率达到100%，捕获后双星建链时间优于2 s，建链测试成功率达到了93%，建链后跟踪精度RMS值小于30 μrad。     

ASSESSMENT OF A PUBLIC MOBILE SATELLITE SYSTEM COMPATIBLE WITH THE GSM CELLULAR NETWORK

The integration between cellular networks and satellite systems is a very promising issue, since it permits the immediate provision of the radio services offered by the cellular networks to areas lacking in terrestrial facilities. In this paper the viability of a full integration between the GSM cellular network and a satellite system is dealt with. The L-band land mobile payload has been assumed as a reference; nevertheless the presented results can be extended to other payloads. The basic requirement of full integration is that the insertion of the satellite system does not entail any modification of the already existing GSM network. The integration analysis has been carried out by examining both the link feasibility and the network architecture. As far as link feasibility is concerned, the analysis is performed by means of an ad hoc simulation tool developed at CSELT (Turin). The simulation results are displayed for GSM speech channels at both full-rate (TCH/FS) and half-rate (TCH/HS). Such results are used in order to compute the satellite link budgets and the satellite system capacity. The characteristics of the satellite propagation channel, of the satellite-compatible mobile station and of the reference payload are explained as well. As far as the network architecture is concerned, the paper identifies the most promising satellite system configuration and the satellite system counterpart of the GSM functional areas (cell, location area, MSC area). Moreover, the problems and the relevant solutions related to the extension of the main GSM procedures (e.g. call set-up, cell selection/reselection, handover) to the integrated network are dealt with. This paper is based upon the work performed by the authors in the framework of the European Space Agency (ESA) study: ‘Assessment of a public mobile satellite system compatible with the GSM cellular network’, Telespazio (Rome) is the prime contractor of this study. The opinions herewith reported are not necessarily those of ESA.     

Performance limitation of laser satellite communication due to vibrations and atmospheric turbulence: down‐link scenario

In this paper, we analyse the effects of vibrations and the atmosphere on the performance of a broadband laser inter‐satellite link (BLISL) which was studied within the framework of the BLISL joint Israeli–German applied research project. The use of optical radiation as a carrier between satellites and in satellite‐to‐ground links enables transmission using very narrow beam divergence angles. Due to the narrow beam divergence angle and the large distance between the satellite and the ground station or airplane the pointing is a complicated process. Further complication results from vibration of the pointing system caused by two fundamental mechanisms of a stochastic nature: (1) tracking noise created by the electro‐optic tracker and (2) vibrations caused by internal satellite mechanical mechanisms. Additionally an inhomogeneity in the temperature and pressure of the atmosphere leads to variations of the refractive index along the transmission path. These variations of refractive index as well as pointing vibrations can cause fluctuations in the intensity and the phase of the received signal leading to an increase in link error probability. In this paper, we develop a bit error probability (BEP) model that takes into account both pointing vibrations and turbulence‐induced log amplitude fluctuations (i.e. signal intensity fading) in a regime in which the receiver aperture D₀ is smaller than the turbulence coherence diameter d₀. Our results indicate that BLISL can achieve a BEP of 10^?9 and data rate of 1Gbps with normalized pointing vibration of G_T*σ_θ²=0.05 and turbulence of σ_X=0.3. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Alphasat Aldo Paraboni scientific and communication experiments at Ka and Q/V bands in Austria

The use of higher frequencies for satellite multimedia communication systems calls for research of the atmospheric propagation effects at these bands (rain, cloud and gaseous attenuation, scintillation, and depolarization). Alphasat was successfully launched on 25 July 2013. This largest and most powerful European telecommunication satellite carries, besides a commercial payload belonging to the mobile satellite communication provider Inmarsat, several Technology Demonstration Payloads (TDPs) from ESA. One of them is the Aldo Paraboni payload (TDP5) for Q/V‐band communication and Ka/Q‐band propagation experiments. These experiments explore future applications in satellite communication and measure how the Earth's atmosphere affects the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Under ESA contract, JOANNEUM RESEARCH designed, developed, and operates a Q/V‐band communication ground station and a Ka/Q‐band propagation terminal. The experimental site is equipped with ancillary equipment including a multifrequency radiometer profiler, a 2D video disdrometer (2DVD), and meteorological stations. This paper reports on the experimental setup, data processing, and obtained results.     

A high‐speed long‐haul wavelength division multiplexing–based inter‐satellite optical wireless communication link using spectral‐efficient 2‐D orthogonal modulation scheme

In this work, we propose a novel multi‐bit/symbol spectral‐efficient optical orthogonal modulation scheme based on simultaneously modulating differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK)‐polarization shift keying (PolSK) in a 16‐channel wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)‐based inter‐satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) system. Through numerical simulations, we demonstrate a reliable transportation of 16 × 100 Gbps information over 25 000 km of transmission range with acceptable bit error rate (BER) using the proposed system. Further, the impact of space turbulences (ie, pointing error losses) on the BER performance of the proposed IsOWC link has been evaluated using numerical simulations. The simulation results report a successful transportation of information up to 2.7 μrad receiver pointing error angle with acceptable performance.     

卫星相干激光通信系统与技术发展

自由空间光通信(Free Space Optical Communication,FSOC)尤其是基于相干体制的卫星激光通信,正逐渐成为突破微波通信瓶颈、建设天地一体化网络、实现高速数据传输的重要手段.总结了欧空局、德国、日本及国内卫星相干激光通信的重要进展,给出了成功验证的相干激光通信系统的激光器、传输速率、多普勒频...     

Analysis of optical coherence multiplexing networks for satellite communication

Free-space optical communication between satellites networked together can enable a high data rate between the satellites. Coherence multiplexing (CM) is an attractive technique for satellite networking due to its ability to cope with the asynchronous nature of communication traffic and the dynamic changes taking place in the satellite constellation. The use of optical radiation for intersatellite links creates very narrow beam divergence angles. Due to the narrow beam divergence angle, the vibration of the pointing system, the movement of the satellite, and the large distance between them the pointing from one satellite to another is a complicated task. The vibration of the pointing system is caused by two stochastic fundamental mechanisms: 1) tracking noises created by the electrooptic tracker and 2) vibrations created by internal satellite mechanical mechanisms and external environments. We derive mathematical models of signal, noise, the approximate signal-to-noise ratio, and the approximate bit-error rates of optical communication satellite networks as functions of the system's parameters, the number of satellites, and the vibration amplitude for frequency-shift keying coherence multiplexing (FSK-CM). Based on these models, we can calculate the negative impact of both the number of satellites and the optical terminal vibration on the system's performance.     

激光星间链路发展综述：现状、趋势、展望

由于激光通信在空间传输中波长短且方向性强,已成为下一代卫星通信与导航的重要手段。激光星间链路的高速率、高带宽、高安全性等特点,可以提供高质量卫星空间通信,同时其还可以提高星间测距的精度,因此,构建激光星间链路成为下一代卫星网络的研究重点之一。文中首先从技术层面介绍激光星间链路的基本组成,主要介绍了卫星激光建链模式、卫星激光信号调制模式及卫星激光载波波长三个重要技术点。从技术到现象,根据不同轨道高度和不同的任务需求,按照发射时间顺序综合调研并总结了近年来国内外典型中高轨和低轨卫星激光通信成果的发展现状与未来计划。通过调研,进一步从宏观角度分析出卫星激光通信发展标准化、兼容化、网络化和商业化四个趋势,并从微观角度总结了卫星激光终端弹性化和模块化的发展方向。最后,除了作为通讯手段,展望了星间激光链路用于卫星激光测距的良好前景。通过对激光星间链路的现状、趋势和展望的综合分析,旨在为未来激光星间链路的设计与优化提供一定的借鉴和参考,并为我国未来星间激光通信和测距技术的发展及研究提供方向参考。     

自由空间光通信中的振动抑制研究

卫星联网可以实现高速率的自由空间光通信;;但是由于卫星间的长距离、窄光束的发散角和瞄准系统的抖动使得从一颗卫星到另一颗卫星的瞄准变成很复杂的问题像这样接受平面内发射的光束的抖动会降低平均接收功率增加误码率针对上述问题;;介绍了7种抑振方法     

Performance analysis of weather-dependent satellite–terrestrial network with rate adaptation hybrid free-space optical and radio frequency link

Due to the rapid development of satellite laser communication technology, free-space optical (FSO) links present a promising alternative to traditional radio frequency (RF) links. In this paper, taking the influence of weather factors into consideration, we investigate the performance of the hybrid FSO/RF links where the feeder link operates in the FSO band and the user link operates in the hybrid FSO/RF band. Specifically, the FSO feeder link is modeled by the gamma–gamma distribution in the presence of beam wander and pointing error, and the detection method adopts either the intensity modulation with direct intensity (IM/DD) or heterodyne detection. The RF user link is assumed to follow the shadowed Rician model. In addition, in order to improve the transmission rate of the link under the time-varying satellite–terrestrial channel, a rate adaptation scheme is proposed. The performance of the system under study is evaluated in terms of the outage probability, average bit error rate (BER), and average transmission rate. Our results provide some important insights, for example, (1) due to the constraints of the feeder link and weather factors, there is an upper limit on the outage performance and bit error rate of the hybrid link; (2) the adaptive transmission strategy can significantly improve the transmission rate of the link compared with traditional design.     

对准误差对前置光放大卫星激光通信系统性能的影响

发射机及接收机的对准误差都会引起前置光放大卫星激光通信系统信号的衰落,在同时考虑发射机、接收机对准误差的条件下优化系统性能非常重要。将接收机对准误差引起的空间光耦合损耗用一个高斯函数近似,并同时考虑发射机对准误差引起的对准损耗,推导出了接收光功率概率密度的近似解析表达式,应用该概率密度函数,建立了基于平均误码率原则的前置光放大卫星激光通信系统的优化模型。仿真结果表明,在给定平均误码率要求及对准误差一定时,存在一个最佳发射光束宽度、接收天线直径及空间光耦合参数,使所需的发射功率最小,采用更大的接收天线并不能降低对发射功率的要求。     

应用无人机实现地面无线传感器网络通信中继的探讨

提出了应用无人机实现地面无线传感器网络远程通信中继的方案,对方案的可行性进行了分析,通过与卫星中继、有人机中继的比较具体论述了无人机通信中继的必要性和优越性。分析了系统的总体结构和作战信息链路,对整个系统的关键技术即数据融合技术和数据链技术进行了探讨,并针对战场应用提出了相关的设想,为应用无人机进行战场通信中继的预先研究奠定了基础。