Lessons learnt from the Optical Communications Demonstrator (OCD)

The Optical Communications Demonstrator (OCD) is a laboratory based lasercom terminal that was developed to validate several key technologies such as precision beam pointing, high bandwidth beacon tracking and beacon acquisition. The unique architecture of OCD uses a single focal plane array (FPA) and a single fine steering mirror (FSM) for beacon acquisition, beacon tracking and point-ahead compensation. A fiber-coupled laser transmitter further reduces the complexity of the terminal. Over the last year, system level integration, test and characterization of the terminal were conducted. Here we present results from the integration and test (I&T) of the terminal with the Lasercom Terminal Evaluation Station (LTES), with particular emphasis on the fine tracking performance. Furthermore, we will describe lessons learnt from the implementation and testing of OCD that are relevant to the design of future flight optical communication terminals. The completed OCD is now being used in a series of ground-ground experiments to understand atmospheric effects and to gain experience operating the OCD.