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Two Color Upgrade:
Interplanetary Transponder for Inner Solar System:
- Technical approach described in previous workshop proceedings
(1996, 1998, 2000)
and J. Geodynamics, November, 2002
- Need to extend maximum transmitter point-ahead capability
from current 11 to 45 arcseconds
Terminal for Automated Space-to-Ground Laser
Communications:
- Currently working with JPL to design a modified SLR2000
system that simultaneously ranges to, and communicates optically
with, a spacecraft
- SLR2000 performs all of the field operations required to
support an automated lasercom station
- Assesses weather and cloud cover and provides necessary
safety and health functions
- SLR tracking defines orbit for initial spacecraft acquisition
and confirmation
- Ranging beam provides Earth beacon for space-based lasercom
system to lock onto
- Simple wavelength splitter in SLR2000 diverts lasercom
beam to communications receiver
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