Building and Evaluating COTS Based Optical Interlinks for Nanosatellites

Abstract

Nanosatellites in low earth orbit are becoming more popular due their proven performance using accessible COTS components. Optical interlinks for such satellites have been suggested before as an alternative to RF links. In this paper we present the steps involved in selecting suitable COTS components for such links and evaluating them as well. Finally we compare the achievable performance of these links to what current low power RF technologies offer.