Speaker
Description
Future space missions are expected to generate increasingly large volumes of data. As a result, traditional radio frequency communication systems are becoming a limiting factor. Optical communication is therefore being investigated as an alternative, as it enables much higher data transmission rates. However, laser signals are strongly affected by weather conditions, particularly cloud coverage, which can interrupt communication links.
In this study, the feasibility of supporting deep space laser communication using a global network of Optical Ground Stations (OGSs) is assessed. A representative space laser terminal, based on NASA’s Psyche mission, is used as a reference to estimate achievable data transmission performance under different mission conditions. These estimates are combined with long‑term global weather data to evaluate communication reliability.
By analysing cloud coverage hourly data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) data base and considering the link geometry, the number and location of OGSs among existing optical ground stations and optical astronomical observatories is determined, in order to meet the specified requirements. The duration of OGS network outages over a period of 5 years with a temporal resolution of 1 hour is estimated.