Discussion Laser Communications

[Capt_hensley]

Is there any interest in developing a "laser communications" capability that would simulate enhanced deep space, or GEO communications via a system like this http://esc.gsfc.nasa.gov/267/278/291/images.html

I can't code it right now, but I'll probably develope the meshes for my Gateway Station

 

[Rybec]

Some sort of Orbiter-Sound style SDK might be interesting, but what would we do with it?

Perhaps allow vessel control with it? Receive images through it, like a remote and time-delayed CameraMFD for more realistic probe missions?

If there's appropriate hooks for it, perhaps make ATC radio chatter only active if the laser system is aligned and recieving?
Or, god forbid, loose your laser link and it disables TransX because you're no longer linked to Mission Control's course data.

 

[Capt_hensley]

Some sort of Orbiter-Sound style SDK might be interesting, but what would we do with it?

Perhaps allow vessel control with it? Receive images through it, like a remote and time-delayed CameraMFD for more realistic probe missions?

If there's appropriate hooks for it, perhaps make ATC radio chatter only active if the laser system is aligned and recieving?
Or, god forbid, loose your laser link and it disables TransX because you're no longer linked to Mission Control's course data.

All viable options, or a combination of several. I just thought it might be a way to make the latest communications equipment become part of existing or new add-ons, and that this in turn would enhance the simulation environment, getting us just that one step closer to a real flight, with realtime issues, and solutions.

Thanks for asking.

 

[Urwumpe]

I would create it like that (shameless theft of OrbiterSound):

A DLL that operates as Orbiter Module (like MFDs are) and can provide the simulation of such communications. A MFD provides general access to the communication API for vessels that are not using the add-on yet.

A static library that can be linked into add-ons and which provides extended interfaces to the laser communication.

Inside the add-on simulation model, I would separate laser units and communication. The model could then be simply:

Point emitter at receiver, send a "hail" signal, receiver gets notification that a new communication attempt arrived.

The receiver automatically or under control of the add-on vessel points at the emitter and sends a confirmation. Now the handshake is over, and a communication link exists until line of sight breaks or one of the laser units ends the communication.

This way you should have pretty stable communication, not too much simulation and it behaves like a laser link.

 

[Capt_hensley]

I read where clouds obstruct current beams, so could this factor be taken into consideration? Or would you just use a future version that can shoot through clouds?

 

[N_Molson]

It would be very interesting to have a module and a SDK able to tell us if a vessel* is in "line of sight" of another (which is very similar to the LASER idea). Application could be complex satellite networks, inter-vessel communications and such stuff.

*or a surface base, BTW

 

[Capt_hensley]

The article said it would use two sattelites at some point to relay data traffic. Why not an add-on?