GOGSN

German Optical Ground Station Network (GOGSN)
The map shows the ground control network in Europe in the realm of the GOGSN project.

In order to meet all the expectations of the international public, laser communication urgently needs more experimental research and technological development. A new market for communication services in space is emerging which can only establish itself successfully if we manage to bring high-performance systems to product maturity. This maturing process is being accelerated by the construction of research-grade optical ground stations (OGS). In addition, economic operating concepts based on automation technologies as well as strategies for increasing the availability and improving the reliability of laser communication systems, e.g. by means of diversity techniques, will play a decisive role.

One focus of our research work is to bring the operations of optical ground stations and laser-based satellite communication (SATCOM) to a reliable level. While as of today optical inter-satellite links are considered to be marketable, there are still major gaps in research and development for communication scenarios through the Earth's atmosphere. For example, experimental proof must be provided that the location diversity in distributed ground station networks can meet the high availability requirements of modern SATCOM systems. To this end, a national network of optical ground stations, the German OGS Network (GOGSN), is currently being established under the leadership of the DLR RSC³. By cooperating with various partners, we are contributing the GOGSN as a regional node in a far-reaching OGS network that could soon span large parts of the globe.

Participating institutes

Space Operations and Astronaut Training

DLR Space Operations is the central institution for spaceflight operations in Germany. This responsibility includes satellite missions for Earth observation, science and communication missions as well as the exploration of the Solar System and human spaceflight missions.

Institute of Communications and Navigation

The Institute of Communications and Navigation develops and investigates new systems and methods for radio transmission and radiolocation.