In recent years, spatial optical communication has been attracting attention as a large-capacity communication method that connects satellites and the ground. Radiofrequency communications are used as a method for transmitting data acquired by satellites to the ground. However, the radio frequencies used make it difficult to improve the communication speed, owing to interference problems and the carrier frequency. Space optical communication is expected to be a solution to this issue. A beacon method is often used to emit light from an optical ground station toward a satellite for initial acquisition. It is desirable that the divergence angle of the irradiating beacon covers the range of satellite orbit prediction. Therefore, it is important to know the orbit prediction accuracy of a satellite. In the experiment, satellite flare was observed from a ground station and verified by comparing the telescope tracking data with the GPS data and NORAD-TLE information mounted on the satellite.
Satellite laser communication is a promising solution to satisfy the increasing demand for high-capacity wireless communications. Satellite laser communication has several advantages over its radio frequency counterparts, such as a higher capacity with a broader bandwidth and transmission security provided by highly directional laser beams. However, the received optical power fluctuations induced by atmospheric scintillation cause burst errors, requiring the employment of high-performance error correction codes, such as turbo or low-density parity check (LDPC) codes. Recently, polar code has been attracting significant attention, primarily because of its lower encoding and decoding computational complexity and its high performance, reaching the Shannon limit. We have reported a long-distance experiment using 7.8-km terrestrial free-space optical (FSO) communication links and compared the performance of polar and LDPC codes. Our experimental results revealed the advantage of polar codes over LDPC codes when channel state information (CSI) was not available. In FSO communications suffering from atmospheric fading, it is known that we can enhance the error-correction performance of these codes by utilizing a channel equalization technique based on the estimated CSI. In this study, we present the results of long-distance transmission experiments using polar codes with channel equalization. As a result, equalization improves the error-correction performance. Moreover, even with channel equalization, the block error rate of polar codes is better than that of LDPC codes, as in our previous report.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a technology to securely share keys against any attack physically permitted, with the principle of quantum mechanics. In recent years, the satellite QKD, which employs artificial satellites as trusted mobile nodes, has been attracting attention in order to overcome the bottleneck of transmission distance. However, in the satellite QKD, quality degradation due to atmospheric effects is expected, as in ordinary satellite laser communications. Therefore, it is desirable to apply an error-correcting code (ECC) that has high error-correcting performance even under the atmospheric-induced effects to the error-correcting process of the satellite QKD. Therefore, in this paper, we examined the application of polar codes, which is known as an ECC with high error correction capability. First, in order to optimize the error correction efficiency, we propose a method to adaptively obtain an appropriate code rate for the received signal strength that changes momentarily due to atmospheric effects. Then, we compare the throughput performances with polar codes to it with low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, with the numerical simulation assuming Bennett-Brassard 1984 protocol (BB84).
The Rapid International Scientific Experiment Satellite (RISESAT) is a 50-kg-class Earth observation microsatellite that is currently being developed at the Space Robotics Laboratory (SRL) of Tohoku University, with a planned launch data in 2018. Intended to demonstrate a cost-effective and reliable microsatellite bus system, RISESAT features various scientific payload instruments from institutions and organizations around the world. Among the payloads are the Very Small Optical Transponder (VSOTA), a compact, dual-band (980 nm, 1550 nm), lightweight laser signal transmitter developed by the Japanese National Institute for Information and Communications Technology (NICT), and the High Precision Telescope (HPT), a multi-spectral, high-resolution Cassegrain telescope developed by Hokkaido University and intended for Earth and astronomical observations. Using these two payloads, RISESAT can demonstrate satellite-toground one-way laser communication. This experiment is intended to demonstrate optical communication capability within the scope of the available hardware resources on a microsatellite dedicated to numerous other scientific endeavors. Hence, VSOTA is lighter, less power intensive, and more simplified than other optical transmitter terminals. Internal gimbal mechanisms for fine pointing have also been eliminated, thus the tracking of the optical ground stations will be achieved using body pointing of the satellite. Recently, end-to-end electrical configuration and communication tests have been conducted for both the engineering model (EM) and the flight model (FM) of the VSOTA assembly. This paper provides an overview of VSOTA and its space-to-ground optical communication demonstration, and describes the current status of the RISESAT optical communication subsystem assembly and integration.
In recent years, the necessity of satellite-to-ground optical communication has increased as a method for realizing higher-speed communications between satellites and the ground. However, one disadvantage of free-space optical (FSO) communication is the significant influence of the atmosphere. FSO communications cannot be utilized under certain atmospheric conditions, such as cloudy skies. One of the solutions to this problem is site diversity, which makes it possible to select a given ground station with better atmospheric conditions among a number of fixed ground stations. The other solution is to prepare a ground station that can be moved to a place with better atmospheric conditions. In this paper, we present the development of a transportable optical ground station currently being researched in NICT.
In order to be transportable, it is necessary to build a system capable of travelling on public roads, installable in every place, and ready to be loaded on relatively-light trucks. For this purpose, a realistic telescope diameter is about 30 cm at the maximum, capable of being set up quickly, and with a pointing accuracy of about 100 μrad. In addition, it is necessary to prepare a fine-pointing optical system that performs tracking with about 1/10 of the pointing accuracy of the telescope. In this research, we will develop the base of the transportable optical ground station using the knowledge of mobile astronomical telescopes. With respect to tracking, we will develop a smaller and lighter fine-tracking system based on NICT’s previous experience. If necessary, we plan to develop an adaptive-optics system for correcting atmospheric disturbances to improve the fiber-coupling efficiency of the communication laser beam.
In National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) of JAPAN, an ultra high speed optical satellite communication equipment onboard the engineering test satellite IX has been developing. The satellite is planned to be launched to geosynchronous orbit in 2021. In this project, we are aiming for ultra high-speed data transmission at the world's highest level of 10 [Gbps] for both uplink and downlink between optical ground stations and geosynchronous satellite. This paper outlines the optical communication mission, the scheduled optical communication experiment, the examination of HICALI and the ground based system at the present time - the outline of the development situation is also explained.
Recently, satellite broadband communication services using Ka-band are emerging all over the world, some requiring capacities in excess of 100 Gbps. With the radio bandwidth resources becoming exhausted, high-speed optical communications can be used instead to achieve ultra-broadband communications. The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan has over 20 years of experience in R&D of space laser communications with missions such as the Engineering Test Satellite VI (ETS-VI), OICETS, and SOCRATES/SOTA. We are currently developing a laser communication terminal named “HICALI”, aiming to achieve 10 Gbps-class space communications with a 1.5 μm-band laser beam between optical ground stations (OGSs) and the next generation high throughout satellite called ETS-IX with a hybrid communication system using radio and optical frequencies, which will be launched into the geostationary orbit in 2021. Moreover, we have studied laser communication terminals for terrestrial networks, as an alternative wireless system to radio frequency (RF) band. In 2014, we developed a terrestrial free-space optical communications network facility, named INNOVA (IN-orbit and Networked Optical ground stations experimental Verification Advanced testbed). Many demonstrations have been conducted to verify the feasibility of sophisticated optical communications equipment in orbit.
We have conducted a feasibility study of a laser communication terminal for next-generation space networks following the above R&D trends in space communication networks, which is a high-speed, secure, small, and scalable laser communication terminal for optical ground stations (OGSs) and satellites or airborne terminals. In this paper, we describe the plan of NICT to develop a scalable laser communication terminal for next-generation space networks.
Research and development of a novel method for a secure free-space optical communication system has been done in NICT since 2018, and demonstration experiments between an aircraft and a transportable optical ground station are planned in near future. In order to establish a stable and highly accurate optical communication link, the system must have a fine pointing mechanism in both the aircraft and the ground station. A compact and light-weight tracking system is required to be mounted on the aircraft, and there will be needed to have an adjustment function of the beam divergence control to allow stable communication under various altitude and atmospheric conditions. The transportable optical ground station should maintain vibration resistance when moving, and it must be easily deployed on each site where is the appropriate optical ground station site with respect to atmospheric turbulence condition.
The transmission and reception of polarized quantum-limited signals from space is of capital interest for a variety of fundamental-physics experiments and quantum-communication protocols. Specifically, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) deals with the problem of distributing unconditionally-secure cryptographic keys between two parties. Enabling this technology from space is a critical step for developing a truly-secure global communication network. The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT, Japan) performed the first successful measurement on the ground of a quantum-limited signal from a satellite in experiments carried out on early August in 2016. The SOTA (Small Optical TrAnsponder) lasercom terminal onboard the LEO satellite SOCRATES (Space Optical Communications Research Advanced Technology Satellite) was utilized for this purpose. Two non-orthogonally polarized signals in the ~800-nm band and modulated at 10 MHz were transmitted by SOTA and received in the single-photon regime by using a 1-m Cassegrain telescope on a ground station located in an urban area of Tokyo (Japan). In these experiments, after compensating the Doppler effect induced by the fast motion of the satellite, a QKD-enabling QBER (Quantum Bit Error Rate) below 5% was measured with estimated key rates in the order of several Kbit/s, proving the feasibility of quantum communications in a real scenario from space for the first time.
Recently, satellite broadband communication services using Ka-band are emerging all over the world, some of them with capacities in excess of 100 Gbps. However, as the radio bandwidth resources become exhausted, high-speed optical communication can be used instead to achieve ultra-broadband communications. The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan has more than 20 years of experience in R&D of space laser communications, with important milestones like ETS-VI (Engineering Test Satellite VI), OICETS, and SOTA. We are currently developing a laser-communication terminal called “HICALI”, which goal is to achieve 10 Gbps-class space communications in the 1.5-μm band between Optical Ground Stations (OGSs) and a next generation high-throughput satellite (called ETS-IX) with a hybrid communication system using radio and optical frequencies, which will be launched into a geostationary orbit in 2021. The development of test and a breadboard model for HICALI has been conducted for several years and we are now carrying out an engineering model as well as designing the OGSs segment. In this paper, we describe concepts and current design status of the HICALI system.
In recent years, the performance of observation equipment mounted on satellites has improved to such levels that it can obtain significant amount of data from a single observation [1]. Radio waves are used as a method for transmitting large volumes of data acquired by satellites to the ground. However, currently operational radio frequencies make it difficult to improve the communication speed, owing to interference problems and the carrier frequency. Space optical communication is expected to be a solution to this problem.
Optical Satellite Downlinks have gathered increasing attention in the last years. A number of experimental payloads have become available, and downlink experiments are conducted around the globe. One of these experimental systems is SOTA, the Small Optical Transponder, built by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).
This paper describes the downlink experiments carried out from SOTA to the German Aerospace Center’s Optical Ground Stations located in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. Both the Transportable Optical Ground Station (TOGS) as well as the fixed Optical Ground Station Oberpfaffenhofen (OGS-OP) are used for the experiments. This paper will explain the preparatory work, the execution of the campaign, as well as show the first results of the measurements.
In recent years, the demand for high-capacity communication has grown, and fiber-optic transmission is being used in wired communications to meet this demand. Similarly, free-space optics (FSO), which is an optical wireless communication technology that uses laser light, has attracted much attention and has been considered as a suitable alternative to satisfy this demand in wireless communications. Free-space optical communication uses a hundred THz frequency band and allows for high-speed and radio-regulation free transmission, which may provide a solution for the current shortage of radio frequency bands.
In collaboration between CNES, NICT, Geoazur, the first successful lasercom link between the micro-satellite SOCRATES and an OGS in Europe has been established. This paper presents some results of telecom and scintillation first data analysis for 4 successful links in June & July 2015 between SOTA terminal and MEO optical ground station (OGS) at Caussols France. The telecom and scintillation data have been continuously recorded during the passes by using a detector developed at the laboratory. An irradiance of 190 nW/m2 and 430 nW/m2 has been detected for 1549 nm and 976 nm downlinks at 35° elevation. Spectrums of power fluctuation measured at OGS are analyzed at different elevation angles and at different diameters of telescope aperture to determine fluctuations caused by pointing error (due to satellite & OGS telescope vibrations) and caused by atmospheric turbulence. Downlink & Uplink budgets are analyzed, the theoretical estimation matches well to measured power levels. Telecom signal forms and bit error rates (BER) of 1549 nm and 976 nm downlink are also shown at different diameters of telescope aperture. BER is 'Error Free' with full-aperture 1.5m telescope, and almost in ‘good channel’ with 0.4 m sub-aperture of telescope. We also show the comparison between the expected and measured BER distributions.
Research and development of space optical communications is conducted in the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). The NICT developed the Small Optical TrAnsponder (SOTA), which was embarked on a 50kg-class satellite and launched into a low earth orbit (LEO). The space-to-ground laser communication experiments have been conducted with the SOTA. Atmospheric turbulence causes signal fadings and becomes an issue to be solved in satellite-to-ground laser communication links. Therefore, as error-correcting functions, a Reed-Solomon (RS) code and a Low-Density Generator Matrix (LDGM) code are implemented in the communication system onboard the SOTA. In this paper, we present the in-orbit verification results of SOTA including the characteristic of the functions, the communication performance with the LDGM code via satellite-to-ground atmospheric paths, and the link budget analysis and the comparison between theoretical and experimental results.
KEYWORDS: Optical communications, Free space optical communications, Optical networks, Data communications, Satellites, Free space optics, Satellite communications, Telecommunications, Data centers, Control systems
A terrestrial free-space optical communications network facility, named IN-orbit and Networked Optical ground stations
experimental Verification Advanced testbed (INNOVA) is introduced. Many demonstrations have been conducted to
verify the usability of sophisticated optical communications equipment in orbit. However, the influence of terrestrial
weather conditions remains as an issue to be solved. One potential solution is site diversity, where several ground
stations are used. In such systems, implementing direct high-speed optical communications links for transmission of data
from satellites to terrestrial sites requires that links can be established even in the presence of clouds and rain. NICT is
developing a terrestrial free-space optical communications network called INNOVA for future airborne and satellitebased
optical communications projects. Several ground stations and environmental monitoring stations around Japan are
being used to explore the site diversity concept. This paper describes the terrestrial free-space optical communications
network facility, the monitoring stations around Japan for free-space laser communications, and potential research at
NICT.
Current development status of the small optical transponder (SOTA) to be installed into a small satellite is described,
where the breadboard model, the engineering model and the protoflight model are respectively introduced. The tracking
performance is estimated to show that the angular error is low enough in comparison to the divergence angle of the
transmitted beam.
Experiments involving laser communications between an optical ground station and a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite
were successfully conducted from 2006 to 2009. The optical ground station is located in Koganei, Tokyo, and was
developed by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan. Four laser beams
were transmitted from the optical ground station to the LEO satellite in order to reduce the intensity of the fluctuation of
the optical signal caused by atmospheric turbulence. The frequency characteristics of the downlink are evaluated on the
basis of theory and the measurements, where the sampling rate was 20 kHz. The speckle patterns were averaged and the
frequency response of the received optical signal was filtered by the telescope aperture. The basis of the temporal
aperture filtering function is derived and compared with the measured results.
Recently, the amount of the data measured by the satellites becomes increase because the recent satellites have been
higher performances. Therefore, the faster communication method is demanded. One of the solutions is to use optical
communication systems. When widely available fiber optical devices are used in free-space laser communication
systems, it is required to couple the laser beam into a single mode fiber. Free-space laser communications systems
require the precise tracking control because of very narrow laser beams. It is rather difficult to couple the laser beam
into the optical fiber owing to atmospheric turbulence in ground-to-satellite laser propagation paths. We developed a
simulation model of the fiber coupling efficiency for ground-to-satellite laser communication links under atmospheric
turbulence. And we developed a prototype of the fast steering mirror (FSM) which can operate at high frequencies under
the atmospheric turbulence. We experimentally verify the tracking performance of FSM by using ground-to-satellite
laser communication links.
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