High-Precision Dual-Stage Pointing Mechanism for Miniature Satellite Laser Communication Terminals
Riccardo Antonello, Francesco Branz, Francesco Sansone, Angelo Cenedese, Alessandro Francesconi
Abstract
This article presents an innovative mechatronic design of a high-accuracy pointing mechanism for orbital laser communication terminals. The system is based on a dual-stage architecture and is miniaturized to fit nanosatellite-class spacecraft, aiming to enable optical communication on small-size space platforms. The focus is on control design aspects and on the performance assessment of an experimental prototype under emulated external environmental disturbances.
Topics & Concepts
Mechanism (biology)Computer scienceSatelliteDual (grammatical number)Communications satelliteLaserStage (stratigraphy)Free-space optical communicationRemote sensingElectronic engineeringEngineeringOpticsAerospace engineeringPhysicsGeologyPaleontologyArtQuantum mechanicsLiteratureSpace Satellite Systems and ControlOptical Wireless Communication TechnologiesAdvanced Control and Stabilization in Aerospace Systems