On December 14th, Arshia, one of our grad students of space engineering major, build a replica of a satellite which demonstrated how a space laser ground station -that is a vital component for communication system- works.
Laser beams, these ground stations facilitate high-speed data transmission, enabling a more efficient and secure means of communication in comparison to traditional radio frequency communication.
These ground stations typically consist of precise optical systems for transmitting and receiving laser signals, specialized tracking systems to maintain alignment with orbiting satellites, and sophisticated data processing equipment to handle the high-speed optical data. As space missions increasingly demand higher data transfer rates and lower latency, space laser communication ground stations play a crucial role in ushering in the next generation of space-based communication technologies.
The electrical devices that were used in the circuit are:
- A transistor: is a semiconductor device that amplifies and switches electronic signals. It has three terminals: the emitter, base, and collector. Transistors are commonly used in electronic devices such as computers, radios, and televisions. They have revolutionized the field of electronics and are essential components in modern technology.
- Electrical resistance: is a fundamental property of materials that determines their ability to conduct electricity. The higher the resistance of a material, the more difficult it is for electric current to flow through it.
- A photoresistor: is a type of resistor that exhibits variable resistance depending on the intensity of light it is exposed to. Photoresistors are commonly used in light sensors and automatic control systems to detect changes in light levels and trigger appropriate responses.
These components were shown in below.
Arshia, by using these components, build a model.
When Arshia puts the satellite at a fixed position and angle, the laser hits the photoresistor and it causes the current in the circuit to split and turn on the LED and buzzer.
And that’s how a laser beam communicates with ground station!