FSO Ground Station:
Development of a Low-Cost system
Abstract
The project aimed to develop a low-cost Free Space Optical (FSO) communication ground station for satellite tracking, specifically designing a mechatronic system to steer a mirror for laser communication. Key requirements included achieving a rotation speed of 19.5 mrad/s and a maximum tracking error of 25 µrad, with actuator forces and voltages not exceeding ±4.63 N and ±24 V, respectively. The system uses a VCM actuator and two leaf springs to maintain equilibrium and allow the necessary degree of freedom for tracking. The dynamic and control aspects were rigorously modeled, with a PID controller and feed-forward system ensuring precise and stable operation. Despite minor translational movements due to leaf spring deformation, the system met the essential performance criteria, making it a viable solution for low-cost satellite communication.
Project report
The project report can be found in the folllowing downloadable pdf:
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