High-precision tracking: an essential component of the optical multiple access (OMA) system

Essential components of any optical inter-satellite link (ISL) are pointing, acquisition and tracking (PAT) of the optical beams. The authors examines the components which are needed for high-precision tracking and presents the design and simulated results of the OMA tracking subsystem. Components have been studied, analysed, designed and modelled in two simulations. The first PC based simulation aided the tracking subsystem design, whereas the second transputer based simulation is the basis for a breadboard PAT experiment. The acquisition sequence prior to tracking completes the OMA PAT functions