Primary functions are the processing of telecommands, the generation of telemetry, autonomy and software update functionalities and the conversion of the satellite bus power to controlled power rails required within the terminal. The modem is the data interface, it modulates the data stream to be transmitted after which, via the laser driver, the laser generates light pulses. The incoming laser pulses are being demodulated by the modem.
In this project, the Resolite-50 terminal under development by FSO Instruments (a Dutch OEM in the field of lasersatcom) is the use-case for the developed avionics. This laser-satcom terminal is primarily intended to transmit generated sensor data from a satellite in real-time to a network of optical communication satellites. Such a network is continuously available to receive and forward the data to ground. Therefore, this technology makes it possible to eliminate the dependence on traditional ground stations with a limited number of contact moments per day to transmit generated data to the user. This technology enables the user to have continuous and low-latency access to the observations of the satellite. Also, communication by means of laser light is intrinsically safer than traditional communication using radio waves (RF) that can be more easily intercepted.
The developments within this project are largely applicable to other space communication terminals and instruments for e.g. space science, space exploration or earth observation.