ABSTRACT
Satellite miniaturization is a trend for future development as conventional laser communication equipment is large in size, heavy in weight and has a high power consumption. This paper describes a novel concept for laser communication between spacecraft platforms using an optical interrogator on a large host spacecraft and a Modulating Retroreflector (MRR) on a small spacecraft. The weight and power consumption of the MRR is reduced, making it suitable for Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) constrained applications on a small spacecraft platform. We present the design of a laser communication microsatellite based on MRR. A simulation analysis was performed and a close-range experimental verification of the MRR array was conducted.
