Small satellite lunar optical communications for NASA Science and Artemis

Fibertek has developed a lunar orbiter–based optical communications terminal for NASA’s Artemis lunar orbiter and small satellite science missions. The terminal is designed to support lunar and Heliophysics missions and features multi-waveform OOK/PPM capability compatible with NASA’s Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System ground stations. This low size, weight, and power (SWaP) terminal offer significant advantages over other lunar and extended-range optical communications systems. It is traceable to NASA’s Moon-to-Mars initiatives, providing scalability for future mission needs. This paper presents an overview of the engineering model terminal, including design features, performance metrics, and link budget modeling results for high-speed lunar optical communications. Additionally, we highlight key advancements in optical communications technologies that facilitate efficient data transmission across long-range space environments.