High-precision satellite relative-trajectory simulating servosystem for inter-satellite laser communications

Because PAT (pointing-acquisition-tracking) parameters and integrated technical specifications of laser communication terminals for inter-satellite link must be pre-verified and assessed thoroughly on a ground-based test-bed before launched into the space, it is necessary to develop a system as a primary part of the test bed to simulate the relative trajectory between the satellites. In this paper, an original high-precision satellite relative-trajectory simulating servosystem is introduced in detail as well as its structures and characteristics. The system is used to simulate the motion of relative-trajectory between satellites in different orbits. The principle of the system is to import the data of two satellites' orbits into a computer-based control system in advance. After processed and analyzed, the data is transformed into the angular displacement of the servomotor which drives the gimbal directly. The angular displacement of the two axes of the gimbal can simulate precisely the relative-trajectory, namely elevation angle and azimuth angle of the two satellites in communication. A laser communication terminal mounted on the gimbal then performs the PAT mechanisms to evaluate the system's capacity.