OICETS
Jump to: Mission Objectives, Mission Instrumentation, Mission Parameters, Additional Information
Mission Photos:
Courtesy of JAXA
Mission Objectives:
The JAXA Optical Inter-orbit Communications Engineering Test Satellite (OICETS) is a demonstration of the optical communications with the ESA geostationary Advanced Relay and Technology MISsion (ARTEMIS). The experiment will verify important technology for large volume optical communications between satellites, a crucial capability for future space activities, including global-scale data acquisition from Earth observation satellites and stable communications for manned space missions. Optical communications provides wider bandwidth than radio frequencies and lighter on-board equipment. The experiment will include acquisition, tracking, and pointing technologies with ARTEMIS, and study the effects of micro-vibrations of the satellites on the communications link. SLR will provide the primary POD for OICETS.
Mission Instrumentation:
The major experiment items considered for OICETS are:
- experiments for evaluating on-board equipments capabilities under space environment
- experiments for evaluating acquisition and tracking mechanism using stars and planets
- inter-orbit optical communications experiments
- measurement of micro vibration of satellite to evaluate the effect to communication link
- precise orbit determination experiments only by laser ranging (Japanese stations plus the ILRS network)
- by operating inter-satellite optical communication equipment on the ground, tracking performance is confirmed; data of the atmosphere fluctuation for low orbit satellite at communication wavelength are acquired (NICT)
Mission Parameters:
| Sponsor: | JAXA |
| Expected Life: | 1 year |
| Primary Applications: | optical communications |
| Primary SLR Applications: | precision orbit determination |
| COSPAR ID: | 0503101 |
| SIC Code: | 1578 |
| Satellite Catalog (NORAD) Number: | 28809 |
| Launch Date: | August 23, 2005 |
| NP Bin Size: | 5 seconds |
| RRA Diameter: | 16 cm |
| RRA Shape: | annulus |
| Reflectors: | 6 corner cubes |
| Orbit: | polar |
| Inclination: | 97.83 degrees |
| Eccentricity: | 0 |
| Altitude: | ~610 km |
| Weight: | ~550 kg |
