Deformable Mirror
LeoCAT is a technology demonstrator optical bench. It will be used for intersatellite laser communication targeted at the small satellite constellation market. Its small form factor and low recurring price enable constellation missions to make use of this technology within a reasonable budget. Large production rounds can be easily achieved within the FSO Instruments consortium.
LeoCAT enables satellite laser terminals to deliver up to 10Gbit/s over a distance of 4400km. LeoCAT foresees four terminals per satellite: 2 male (1556nm) and 2 female (1535nm).
A demonstrator of LeoCAT is currently undergoing build and testing. This qualification ensures robustness to launch conditions, stability of the optical channels, pointing stability and robustness against other environmental conditions experienced in space.
The research leading to LeoCAT was performed in partnership between Nedinsco and TNO, with the support of an ESA ARTES Programme.