Precision pointing error analysis in a satellite optical communication optical system

The authors present details of the design considerations for two candidate precision pointing and tracking control subsystems proposed for use in an optical intersatellite communication system. In addition, disturbance effects are identified, and appropriate models for the disturbances are developed. Simulations of the control system are performed. Preliminary simulation results indicate superior disturbance rejection of a complementary filter-based precision pointing and tracking subsystem when compared with a rate-integrating-gyro- (G -) based system. However, both systems fail to meet the 0.5-μmurad (r.m.s.) pointing constraint imposed by optical intersatellite communication links