Preparing the next generation of AO-compensated Ground-to-GEO Bidirectional Optical Links by fine analysis of the current systems limitations and numerical test of advanced AO concepts

Now that the first generation of adaptive optics dedicated to bidirectional ground-to-GEO optical links has been successfully tested, in-depth analysis of experimental performance is needed for current system optimization and future model-based concepts fine-tuning. Here we first present the principle of our ground station digital twin AOSIM and how it compares very well to experimental data obtained from bidirectional ground-to-GEO links between ONERA’s OGS FEELINGS and ADS GEO Payload TELEO; then we show some example of ways we used AOSIM for optimizing our current system with regard to Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensor and control matrix; and finally, we discuss perspectives in using AOSIM for fine-tuning of AO next generation concepts, through the example of optimal Point-Ahead-Angle pre-compensation of the uplink.