OPTEL Terminal for Deep Space Telemetry Links

Oerlikon Space AG is currently developing the OPTEL family of optical terminals for free-space optical communications. The optical terminals within the OPTEL family have been designed for future opportunities open to this technology. These opportunities range from commercial optical satellite crosslinks between geostationary (GEO) satellites, deep space optical links between planetary probes and the Earth, as well as optical links between airborne platforms (either between the airborne platforms or between a platform and satellite). The OPTEL terminal for deep space applications has been designed as an integrated RF-optical terminal for telemetry links between the science probe and Earth. The integrated architecture provides increased TM link capacities through the use of an optical link, while spacecraft navigation and telecommand are ensured by the classical RF link. The optical TM link employs pulsed laser communications to achieve robustness on the link to atmospheric degradation at the optical ground station. This paper will present an overview of the system architectures that the Oerlikon Space family of OPTEL terminals have been designed to support and will focus on the design of the deep space optical communications terminal.