An experimental optical link between an earth remote sensing satellite, spot 4, and a European data relay satellite

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Abstract
The implementation of an experimental optical link between a low earth orbit spacecraft (SPOT 4, of the French Earth Remote Sensing Programme) and a geostationary satellite (for which the European Space Agency is responsible) is described. This optical link is to be used for transmitting the SPOT 4 payload data stream at a rate of 50 Mb/s. These data will be relayed to a ground station through a feeder link in the Ka or Ku band.This first model, on SPOT 4, will demonstrate the feasibility and performance of optical communications and will be used on a pre‐operational basis to relay image data. The second model, on SPOT 5, could be used on an operational basis in connection with the European Data Relay satellite.The optical terminal uses a 20 cm diameter telescope with Ritchey Chrétien optics, a 30 mW GaAlAs laser diode and a silicon avalanche photodiode, the total weight being around 80 kg and the power consumption 120 W.

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