Laser Communications

As communications requirements increase and systems become more sophisticated, so too must the methods to satisfy the demand for worldwide information services. Increased use of the Internet and the evolution of data services, such as interactive media, real-time video, video conferencing, large databases and cellular networks, have put a heavy burden on communications technologies. With expanded use of these services on the horizon, new methods are being explored to support the next generation of communications systems.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., based in Broomfield, Colo., has been working over the past two decades to position itself at the forefront of laser communications. As a pioneer in the development of pointing and tracking sub-systems with over 40 years of experience in space-based instrumentation, Ball built the Relay Mirror Experiment (RME) satellite that originally proved the feasibility of space-based laser and high-precision pointing technologies in the mid-1980s. The RME and many other Ball programs have built upon our established position as an industry leader in the development and production of star trackers and sensors, and highly accurate, high-bandwidth, fast-steering mirrors and gimbals.

With state-of-the-art equipment, Ball is accelerating the development of laser communications and its introduction to a broad customer base. Paired with its pointing and tracking heritage and electro-optic payload development expertise, Ball is poised to take this new technology into those applications identified for the near future as well as the expanding application base projected into the next century.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., 1600 Commerce Street, Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: 303-939-6100; Fax: 303-939-6104.