A CO2 laser transceiver package with Gbit/sec capability for space-to-space communications

The design of CO2 laser transceiver system to establish and maintain a two way 1 Gbit/sec data link between two independently orbiting satellites is presented. The overall package has envelope dimensions of 70x35x90 cm, weighs 37 kg, and consumes 250 W of prime power. It comprises an externally modulated CO2 laser transmitter, an optical homodyne receiver, diffraction limited transceiving optics, a high performance pointing acquisition and tracking subsystem, and a stable light weight mechanical structure. Operational procedures are discussed and calculated performance data are given.