Field testing of a rapidly deployable, weatherproof, optical ground terminal for space-to-ground lasercom links

Operational space-to-ground free-space optical communication requires robust, rapidly deployable ground terminals that can perform in real-world environments. Archangel Lightworks has developed the TERRA-M: a compact, weatherproof optical ground station designed for quick deployment and autonomous operation in support of high-throughput, proliferated space networks. The current system is multi-mission capable, and software defined, supporting both CCSDS O3K and SDA OCT standards. This paper presents initial results from field trials of the system, including commissioning, pointing acquisition and tracking performance, and S2G link testing with a LEO LCT. These results validate the ground terminal's potential for scalable global optical ground networks and inform the next steps in operational readiness.