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Experiment Title: Space Environment Effects on Fiber Optics Systems

Original Principal Investigator(s): Taylor, Mr. Edward - Invest. Role: Original, Johnston, Dr. Alan - Invest. Role: Present, Taylor, Mr. Edward - Invest. Role: Present, Johnston, Dr. Alan - Invest. Role: Present,

Although the application of fiber optic technology in ground-based data links is becoming commonplace, the technology advancement for aerospace military application has not yet developed to the extent that full utilization is a reality. Although fiber optic technology offers advantages such as reduction of system susceptibility to electromagnetic pulse (EMP), electromagnetic interference (EMI), system-generated EMP (SGEMP), ground loop, and inadvertent discharge phenomena, the undesirable response of optical fibers exposed to ionizing radiation is presently of concern to military aerospace system designers. Functional improvements, such as weight and power reductions, realized through the use of fiber optic technology certainly appear attractive at this time, particularly in aerospace communication systems. However, since optical waveguide electro-optic technology has yet to be used in space-borne applications, issues such as link life expectancies, power consumption, sensitivity, and radiation hardening are of primary concern.

Space qualification of materials unique to fiber optic technology (i.e., bonding and potting agents) over a typical temperature range from -65 degrees C to 125 degrees C under vacuum conditions is an immediate need for satellite applications. In essence, then, fiber optic space application must begin with early spaceflight assessment of the influence of launch and orbital extremes. This Air Force Weapons Laboratory (AFWL) investigation, although primarily concerned with the survivability and vulnerability of fiber optic systems exposed to the space radiation environment, was also cognizant of the entire space qualification requirement. This experiment was designed as a feasibility demonstration for fiber optic technology in space applications, and to study the performance of operating fiber systems exposed to space environmental factors such as galactic radiation, and wide temperature cycling.

The selection of the radiation tested optical fibers for the experiment and the cabling for each individual data link were predicated on the various radiation effects studies conducted to ascertain the then state-of-the-art for optical data link performance under severe radiation and temperature con- ditions. Based on this empirical data, an experiment was formulated that was eventually developed under an Air Force Weapons Laboratory independent laboratory research effort (ILIR 7802). The experimental apparatus was developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratories and La Canada with overall direction provided by the AFWL.

Photograph Classification: Postflight

Associated Photograph(s):
LaRC - L91-15071
KSC - KSC-390C-1145.02
JSC - None
LaRC - L90-10379
KSC - None
JSC - S32-76-020
LaRC - L84-07104
KSC - KSC-384C-293.07
JSC - None

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