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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
We propose to investigate high precision coherent optical ranging on communication links, intended as a demonstration between a pair of CubeSats. The targeted outcome of this effort is the capability to provide range and range-rate measurements from the optical link at varying levels of precision to meet the requirements of a variety of end users. We will 1) determine the requirements for each end user/application (navigation, Earth science, planetary science), 2) define the system architecture based on these requirements, and 3) identify and characterize key components and subsystems. In the future, we seek to further mature and validate the relevant technologies for the different end use cases, with the ultimate goal of a CubeSat demonstration mission.
This effort will enable high precision ranging on coherent optical links with small form-factor terminals, and these range and range-measurements can be leveraged for improved spacecraft navigation and for scientific applications. For the former, this technology will advance autonomous navigation for constellations, and for the latter, this technology will enable satellite-to-satellite optical ranging-based Mass Change (MC) missions on Earth and other planets. Beyond planetary geodesy, these high precision range measurements can also lead to the enabling of scientific missions for fundamental physics and the enabling of Distributed Spacecraft Missions (DSMs) for applications in heliophysics.
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