EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF OPTICAL WIRELESS DATA TRANSMISSION IN CUBESATS

CubeSats, which are small satellites engineered to specifications, are increasingly adopting laser-based communication systems. Unlike RF based communication, laser grands higher data transmission rates due to shorter wavelengths and less energy spread. These systems capacitate new science missions at lower cost, including earth observations, planetary exploration and space science. Short comings include minimizing cost, improving pointing accuracy and ensuring attainability of earth-based laser stations. Furthermore, novel methods combining lens system and vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are being utilized for fine laser beam pointing in CubeSats. KIPP, it is a first Ku-band CubeSat with units of 3U. This paper discusses the use of laser-based communication system for CubeSats, integrated with techniques like low-density parity-check (LDPC) encoding and pulse position modulation (PPM), the research demonstrates improved data transmission efficiency and error correction capabilities. The data transmission rates at various atmospheric levels were compared and discussed for future advancements.