Description and results of a satellite laser communication/tracking simulation

A detailed simulation of a satellite laser communication crosslink was developed to evaluate expected communication performance and sensitivity to steady-state and transient pointing and tracking errors caused by satellite disturbances. The interrelated effects of communication and tracking are modeled within the simulation in a "real time" Monte Carlo fashion. An overview of this simulation is presented along with current simulation results. Comparison is made of simulation and hardware measurements, where available. Preliminary results indicate successful communication and tracking performance is possible during a satellite Delta-V thruster firing.<
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