COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SPACECRAFT USING FREE-SPACE OPTICAL TELEMETRY

摘要

The system and method uses free-space optics for telemetry between spacecraft for communication. The system and method uses bright light emitting diodes or other transmitters and a low-light photomultiplier tube or other receiver. Greater transmission distances are possible by using optical bandpass filters and baffles. The system and method are capable of achieving greater distances and data rates with the use of additional transmitters with greater optical power output, including laser diodes.