Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid communication apparatus for high-rate data transmission between moving and/or stationary platforms, comprising at least one transmission and reception device, wherein the transmission engineering used is radio-frequency engineering. The invention provides for light waves to be used for the data transmission either as an alternative or in addition. The transmission and reception devices (2) comprise a radio-frequency transmitter/receiver (9) and a multiplicity of optical transmitters/receivers (10) which are arranged in annular fashion around the radio-frequency transmitter/receiver (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid communication apparatus for high-rate data transmission between moving and/or stationary platforms, comprising at least one transmission and reception device, wherein the transmission engineering used is radio-frequency engineering. The invention provides for light waves to be used for the data transmission either as an alternative or in addition. The transmission and reception devices (2) comprise a radio-frequency transmitter/receiver (9) and a multiplicity of optical transmitters/receivers (10) which are arranged in annular fashion around the radio-frequency transmitter/receiver (9).

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method and a device and its opto-mechanical structure for the optical transmission of data over free space distances, using the principle of phase modulation of a lightwave generated by a laser and by a homodyne superimposition in a photodector of a lightwave from a second laser on the received lightwave.

Abstract: A combined sun and star sensing system for attitude and position control of a space vehicle, includes a star image sensor having a first objective and a first detector array arranged in the focal plane, the objective being constructed for a well defined aberration so as to convert a point like object into a defined spot or area having a diameter larger than the diameter of an element of the detector array; the sun sensor has a regular objective and a second detector array is arranged in the image plane of that objective sun sensor; the two detector arrays have similar and a similar number of detector elements, and are alternately connected to a single evaluating electronic.