Enhanced lasercom pointing via a low-cost, sparse optical test (SpOT) array for beam profiling and diagnostics

This is the second paper in the series where we describe the usage of potential low-cost devices for enhancing laser communication pointing and tracking, particularly vital for space-based systems like DARPA's Blackjack constellation and future LEO missions. Instead of relying on expensive ground stations and host vehicle resources for troubleshooting and calibration, this research demonstrates the feasibility of using commercially available optical power meters (approximately $1.5k/detector) to construct a ground-based sensor [SpOT] array. This SpOT array offers a cost-effective solution for diagnosing pointing and beam profiling for C band laser transmitters deployed on these spacecrafts, enabling improved pointing performance. This presentation will detail the key characteristics of this sensor array, preliminary results, and future development directions.