Miniaturized Optical Intersatellite Communication Terminal – CubeISL

Abstract

The increasing request for higher data rates and the technical limitations of traditional radio-frequency channels in intersatellite communication requires solutions to overcome these obstacles. German Aerospace Center (DLR) has a long heritage in optical air-to-ground and space-to-ground transmission. Due to its high data rates, resistance against interferences and being free from regulations like from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Free Space Optical communication (FSO) provides solutions to overcome the challenges for satellite communication.Based on the developments in the "OSIRIS4CubeSat" project, DLR transfers the technology of laser communication on CubeSats from Direct to Earth (DTE) into the intersatellite domain. Therefore, the project "CubeISL" started with the goal to develop an optical intersatellite for CubeSats. This paper discusses possible mission scenarios where CubeISL terminals can be used, the research results of a feasibility analysis and the required technical adaptions, which will be realized in the near future.