Magnetic Fast Steering Mirror for Inter-satellites and Feeder Link Optical Communication

Abstract:
In order to cope with performances of Fine Pointing, and Fast Steering mirror requirements for Space Optical Communication, CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) is developing magnetic Fast Steering Mirror’s (M-FSM) family, based on proprietary MICA(TM) flexure bearing magnetic actuators mechanism (Moving Iron Controllable Actuator), with embedded eddy current sensors (ECS). FSM design expected for Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) in large-scale New Space constellations, is highly driven by mandatory cost-efficiency for high quantities recurrent production, while FSM design expected for Feeder-Link communication is driven instead by high power Laser requirements together with high level of redundancy. In this publication CTEC is presenting both the M-FSM45 and M-FSM-HPL designs, and test results, respectively for inter-satellites and feeder link optical communications.