PhD Satellite to Ground Laser Communication Links

Laser Satellite communications (laser satcom) is a potential game changer for satellite communication systems. It has become a major topic in the Dutch space and opto-mechatronic ecosystem. This eco system has developed several hardware systems that are capable for laser satellite communications. These will be space borne in due time, and are ready to enter the validation phase.

This PhD topic focusses on the understanding of the laser link between a satellite optical terminal and a ground optical terminal. This regards the performance of the pointing mechanisms, the link acquisition (hand-shake) and in particular the effects of the atmosphere and the correction thereof.

Topics that are covered by this PhD topic:

• Experimental and analytical validation of and research on laser communication link robustness and performance given varying atmospheric and operational conditions.
• Development of the Modelling and Simulation suite supporting link robustness and performance analyses.
• Experimental and theoretic assessment for link performance and robustness improvements (e.g. calibration, link acquisition and turbulence mitigation strategies).

This project will be executed in collaboration with Dutch laser satcom industrial partners, in particular the Netherlands organisation for Applied Scientific research (TNO). One of the goals for this PhD project is to make a real contribution for the involved industrial parties.

This project will be supervised from the Space Engineering department at the faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the TU Delft. This department is currently expanding the knowledge position on the topic of laser satellite satcom with staff and several PhD positions.