WORK Microwave has introduced their end-to-end Communication Package suite of Digital Optical Ground Station equipment for multi-mission, optical ground stations that meets Space Development Agency (SDA) and CCSDS standards. The Communication Package consists of the DOG-DA Free-Space Optical Detector, the DOG-M1 Multi-Mission Modem, the DOG-CA Electro-Optical Converter and DOG-A1 Amplifiers.
This package consists of a suite of equipment that enables bi-directional communication, according to Version SDA OCT Standard Version 3.0.1 (SDA Tranche 1) and 3.1.0 (SDA Tranche 2) and CCSDS 142.0-B-1. Based on numerous internal and external compatibility tests including different space terminals, the Communication Package will be qualified for SDA compliant deployment within the next months.
Later this year, WORK Microwave will install the first SDA Tranche 1 compliant, turn-key, optical ground station, including telescope, comms package and shelter infrastructure.
As the central element of the communication package, the DOG-M1 Modem handles the processing of the data according to selected standards in terms of error protection, timing, ranging and adaptation of networks and transfer frame streaming on the data interfaces. The DOG-M1 also acts as a central control unit of all optical downstream devices.
Compatible with data rates from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps, DOG-M1 will enable optical communication missions at low and extremely high throughput rates with secure data connection to satisfy a growing demand for a large variety of institutional and commercial space missions. Active optical devices – detectors, converters and amplifiers – are available with different wavelength configurations across the optical C- and L-band. The DOG-A1 Amplifiers supports multiple power configurations according to link budget requirements for communication and tracking.
“With the implementation of the SDA standard in addition to the CCSDS waveforms in our Communication Package we are setting a new milestone in our Digital Optical Ground Station offering. We observe a global trend of recognition of the SDA standard as the dominating standard for laser communication, and we at WORK Microwave are proud to be a key player among the pioneers in this technology. With a strong focus on technological innovation, excellence and relentless customer orientation, our company is a trusted partner in the industry worldwide. This success is the result of intense work and dedication of our engineering team,” said Thomas Fröhlich (CEO).