JAXA: Demonstration of optical satellite communication (LUCAS): Wavelength 1.5 µm, laser light
JAXA:
On November 29, it announced that it would launch the H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center.
The H-IIA rocket will be equipped with an optical intersatellite communication system (LUCAS: Laser Utilizing Communication System).
The rocket launch is expected to take place between 4:15 pm and 6:15 pm.
Optical satellite communication system: (LUCAS)
The communication satellite installed this time is the “optical intersatellite communication system (LUCAS)”.
Data acquired by another satellite in orbit around the earth,
Sends to a communication satellite located in geosynchronous orbit,
After that, this communication satellite sends data to the ground station.
Data transmission to the ground station:
In the case of direct communication performed only by the ground station and the observation satellite, only 10 minutes out of 90 minutes around the earth can be secured.
Large amount of data transmission:
However, it says, “Once you send data to another communication satellite in geosynchronous orbit, the communication time will be quadrupled.”
This technology makes it possible to send large amounts of data.
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https://sorae.info/space/20201031-h2a.html
Mission: Optical satellite communication system (LUCAS)
“Optical satellite communication system” (LUCAS: Laser Utilizing Communication System) under development by JAXA
Data relay between satellites:
We will demonstrate data relay between earth observation satellites (low earth orbit satellites) and optical data relay satellites (geostationary satellites).
Uses an invisible laser beam with a wavelength of 1.5 µm.
Realizing optical communication in outer space:
Observation data (images, etc.) acquired by observation satellites
Once the geostationary satellite relays,
It is a mechanism to send from a geostationary satellite to a ground station.
Direct communication with one ground station:
In the case of direct communication with one ground station
Of the observation satellite around the earth (about 90 minutes)
Communication time can only be secured for about 10 minutes.
LUCAS communication:
It is possible to communicate for about half the period of one orbit , which is about four times as long.
JAXA ・ Satellite Navigator, First Space Technology Division