In-Orbit / OperationalTrack 4

First On-sky Results of a LEO and QKD-compatible Adaptive Optics System on DLR’s Optical Ground Station (OGS-OP)

Dr. Lisa Bardou

German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Day

Thursday · 2026-10-15

Time

2:00 PM - 3:20 PM

Track

Track 4

Session

Optical Ground Stations-2

Venue

ICSO 2026 Conference Venue

Hall Track 4Session Optical Ground Stations-2

Track indicates the session hall. Refer to the on-site programme board for the exact room number and any last-minute room changes.

In 30 seconds

DLR’s Optical Ground Station has been upgraded with specialized adaptive optics to meet the stringent requirements of LEO quantum communication links. The system effectively compensates for increased atmospheric turbulence and fast-evolving wavefront errors encountered during low-elevation tracking. These enhancements maximize end-to-end throughput for the Eagle-1 mission’s secure space-based key distribution.

Topics & Subtopics

Optical Communications Quantum TechnologiesSatellite QKDAdaptive OpticsOptical Ground StationsAtmospheric TurbulenceCalibrationInstrument PerformanceQuantum Key DistributionQuantum Ground StationsAssembly & AlignmentSpace TelescopesWavefront ControlNavigationMirrorsOptical MaterialsMechanismsEnvironmental Testing