Ultra-stable solid-state lasers for space applications

Summary form only given. We report about the development of a space qualified laser system based on a monolithic non-planar Nd:YAG ring oscillator (NPRO). The system can be used for space applications such as a satellite-based LIDAR (Light Induced Detection and Ranging) measurement of wind velocities, a gravitational wave detector in space (LISA) or coherent inter satellite communication. The laser can be used as a seed laser for a resonant or non-resonant high power amplification (e.g. for LIDAR) or as a master oscillator with an output power up to 3.5 W in the case of the LISA project.