Empirical model for lasercom size, weight, and power (SWaP)

Abstract

In order to appropriately budget satellite resources for a new lasercom terminal, system architects must define an accurate size, mass and power (SWaP) estimate in advance. However, SWaP drivers are often tracked individually during initial design phases, when in reality these drivers are intertwined. Consequently, SWaP estimates attempted at the beginning of a build program can differ significantly from the results seen at the completion of the build. A more holistic initial estimate is needed to capture these complex relationships. A data-based model lends empirical insights into drivers for SWaP, providing a baseline reference for future lasercom terminals.Given the significant number of lasercom demonstrations reported over the last several years, it is now possible to explore a baseline model for SWaP founded on empirical data. These lasercom terminals span a wide range of designs with different SWaP to meet link requirements such as communication distance and data-rates. Here, we consider SWaP drivers such as orbit, maximum data rate × range 2 , and modulation format for 80 unique lasercom terminals. Through iterative analysis of cross-correlation coefficients, p-values, root mean squared errors, and R 2 metrics, we establish multivariable parametric regression models as baseline SWaP references for future system design.