Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Ibrahim Arnous, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Ibrahim Arnous
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Heidi Nykyri
Abstract
This course-based, in-progress project explores optical communications as a spacecraft subsystem and examines how light-based systems can be used to transmit information in space. As modern missions demand faster and more efficient data transfer, optical communications have emerged as an important area of interest alongside traditional communication methods. The purpose of this project is to study the role of optical communication in spacecraft design, with attention to its principles, advantages, limitations, and broader relevance to future missions. Using a comparative and research-based approach, the project investigates how these systems function, what engineering challenges they introduce, and why they are becoming increasingly significant in space applications. Because the work is still in progress, the current emphasis is on developing the technical background, establishing a framework for analysis, and identifying the major factors that shape subsystem performance. Expected outcomes include a clearer understanding of how optical communications differ from conventional systems and why they may play an important role in future spacecraft operations. The intended contribution of this project is to provide a structured overview of optical communications as an evolving subsystem and to highlight their growing importance in the future of space mission design.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Electromagnetics and Photonics Commons, Space Vehicles Commons, Systems and Communications Commons
Laser-Based Optical Communications for Spacecraft Information Transfer
This course-based, in-progress project explores optical communications as a spacecraft subsystem and examines how light-based systems can be used to transmit information in space. As modern missions demand faster and more efficient data transfer, optical communications have emerged as an important area of interest alongside traditional communication methods. The purpose of this project is to study the role of optical communication in spacecraft design, with attention to its principles, advantages, limitations, and broader relevance to future missions. Using a comparative and research-based approach, the project investigates how these systems function, what engineering challenges they introduce, and why they are becoming increasingly significant in space applications. Because the work is still in progress, the current emphasis is on developing the technical background, establishing a framework for analysis, and identifying the major factors that shape subsystem performance. Expected outcomes include a clearer understanding of how optical communications differ from conventional systems and why they may play an important role in future spacecraft operations. The intended contribution of this project is to provide a structured overview of optical communications as an evolving subsystem and to highlight their growing importance in the future of space mission design.