Adaptive Optics based Telescope Arrays Receiver for Compensation of Optical Turbulence Effects in a Deep-Space Optical Communication link with Mars

Abstract

Future deep-space exploration missions demand a broadband and integrated communication infrastructure to transport the scientific data to Earth. Optical communication employing optical arrays receiver is a viable alternative to the current NASA deep-space RF-based network. Atmospheric turbulence is a major limiting factor for the inter-planetary optical links. Investigation of the use of adaptive optics subsystems is carried out for the compensation of coupled effects of optical turbulence and background noise, in direct detection optical array receivers. The simulation and analysis of an end-toend deep-space optical communication link between a spacecraft in Mars orbit and Earth-based telescope array receivers show that the incorporation of adaptive optics systems results in considerable performance improvement in achievable data rates.