LCT100Y
Overview
The Honeywell LCT100Y Laser Communication Terminal (Yoke) is an advanced optical communication system designed for low-, medium-, and high-earth orbit missions. Built with a modular architecture, it combines an Optical Head Unit (OHU) with free-space-to-fiber coupling, a transceiver for optical-to-electrical conversion, and FPGA-based control electronics for precise pointing and tracking. The system’s yoke-style gimbal enables full hemispherical field of regard and independent pointing, eliminating reliance on platform attitude control.
The LCT100Y features a Three-Mirror Anastigmat telescope for scalable apertures, a compact OPTRAC assembly for fine pointing correction, channel separation, and fiber coupling, and supports Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) integration for future-proof security. With data rates up to 10 Gbps (and 100 Gbps in development), variable transmitter power, and beaconless tracking, the terminal ensures fast, reliable link acquisition and robust performance in harsh space environments.
Optimized for cost-efficient volume production and long-term reliability (15-year life), the LCT100Y is the ideal solution for secure, high-speed optical communications across diverse orbital missions.
The LCT100Y features a Three-Mirror Anastigmat telescope for scalable apertures, a compact OPTRAC assembly for fine pointing correction, channel separation, and fiber coupling, and supports Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) integration for future-proof security. With data rates up to 10 Gbps (and 100 Gbps in development), variable transmitter power, and beaconless tracking, the terminal ensures fast, reliable link acquisition and robust performance in harsh space environments.
Optimized for cost-efficient volume production and long-term reliability (15-year life), the LCT100Y is the ideal solution for secure, high-speed optical communications across diverse orbital missions.
Specifications
Key Differentiators
Key Benefits
- Alternative primary aperture size available
- Aperture: 10 cm (scalable)
- Data Rates: Up to 10 Gbps (100 Gbps future option)
- Fast and reliable link acquisition
- Field of Regard: Hemispherical (2π steradian)
- High-speed, low power communication
- ITAR-free design
- Independent pointing (doesn’t rely on platform attitude control)
- Modular design for adaptability to specific missions
- Optical Channels: 1550 nm C-band
- Optimized for cost-efficient volume production
- Radiation Tolerance: 20 krad as well as 50–100 krad available
- Variable transmitter power, adaptable for data rates / ranges
Performance Data
Power
- OHU avg 8.5 W; CEU 20 W nominal Watt
Operating Temperature
- -20°C to +50°C
