Laser transmitter for CubeSat-class applications

Laser communications onboard CubeSats is an emerging technology for enabling high-speed space-based communication links. In this paper we present the development of a 25 cm(3) and second iteration 0.3 U CubeSat-class laser transmitter operating at data rates of up to 500 Mbps using OOK modulation and an output power of up to 300 mW over the entire C-band. We present results of the development and characterization of the transmitter. From this testing the design will be demonstrated up to TRL 4/5 with the view for future qualification work and electronics integration.