Pointing precision is a critical element of instrumentation for optical communications and ranging in space, affecting laser design, link power budgets, and SWaP. While star trackers possess pointing knowledge that is sub-microradian, conventional pointing accuracy is limited by reaction-wheel-based altitude control systems at ~50 microradians.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has developed a system to more finely point lasers so as to improve the precision of space optical communications and ranging. Through linking a laser beam mirror-steering mechanism and associated closed-loop control, any residual error in pointing to a desired target is reduced dramatically.
NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. For more information, contact the Goddard Strategic Partnerships Office at