Analysis of performance and robustness against jitter of various search methods for acquiring optical links in space

TL;DR

This paper compares various optical link acquisition methods in space, analyzing their performance and robustness against jitter using statistical models, analytical equations, and Monte Carlo simulations, with application to the GRACE FO mission.

Contribution

It introduces analytical models for evaluating acquisition success probabilities and jitter tolerance, enhancing understanding of space optical link acquisition strategies.

Findings

Dual spiral scan improves acquisition probability over single scan.

Maximum tolerable jitter depends on beam overlap and success probability.

Analytical models validated by Monte Carlo simulations for space missions.

Abstract

We discuss various methods for acquiring optical links in space using a dedicated acquisition sensor. Statistical models are developed and simple analytical equations derived that compare the performance between a single and dual spiral scan approach as well as between sequential and parallel acquisition of link chains. Simple derived analytical equations allow relating essential search parameters such as track width, variance of the uncertainty distribution, capture radius and scan speed to the probabilities of acquiring the links within a specific time. We also assess the probability of failing to acquire a link due to beam jitter and derive a simple analytical model that allows determining the maximum tolerable jitter for a given beam overlap and required probability of success. All results are validated by Monte Carlo simulations and applied to the concrete example of the GRACE FO mission.