Optics and Microwave Photonics Technologies Illuminate the Future of Space TT&C System

The space TT&C system is the only means for humans to conduct life cycle tracking, telemetry, command and communication for spacecraft. Multi-function, high-precision, real-time TT&C system has always been the goal pursued by researchers in TT&C technology. These features are based on high-speed and high-precision manipulation of microwave signals, but are limited by `electronic bottlenecks'. The generation, control and processing of wideband signals is extremely complex and impossible to accomplish in traditional electronics. Photonic technology's inherently large bandwidth, low transmission loss, and anti-electromagnetic interference make it a key enabling technology for breaking the TT&C system bandwidth and high-precision measurement bottleneck and "illuminating the future of TT&C system." Meanwhile, the optical subsystem is light in weight, small in size, and integrable. Therefore, the introduction of photonic technology may change the system of the existing TT&C system. This paper summarizes the main research progress of optical technology in TT&C system at home and abroad, discusses the key technologies of laser and microwave photon technology in TT&C system, and forecasts its development trend.