Research progress and development of key technologies based on microwave photonics of deep space tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C) and communication system

In this paper, the present research status and development of the domestic and international deep space Tracking, Telemetry and Command (TT&C) systems are summarized. Then, in terms of deep space satellite payloads and ground stations, the key technologies for China’s TT&C system are sorted out. The technical requirements include longer detection distances, larger instantaneous bandwidth, more target interconnections, and faster data transmission rate. Aiming at the technical requirements, microwave photonics technology combines the flexibility of microwave radio frequency with the photonics with strong anti-interference ability as well as large bandwidth. Based on the above analysis, active and passive photonic phase-stable transmission based on microwave photonics, ultra-fast and high peak power seed laser source, photonic frequency conversion with large bandwidth and low spurious suppression ratio, and communication link based on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors are studied. Finally, combined with China’s current technology research techniques, some technical recommendations for China’s deep space TT&C system are discussed.