MOGS-40

Modular Optical Ground Stations

Relocatable. Reliable.

Precise.

Sea West partnered with Mynaric and PlaneWave Instruments to develop a rapidly deployable, turn-key ground station for optical communications and space situational awareness.

CHARA Array Georgia State University Sea West

About the observatory

The Modular Optical Ground Station (MOGS) platforms are built for rapid deployment and reliable performance. The MOGS-40 is a complete, turn-key optical ground station housed within a 40-foot, shipping-certified container. It includes a PlaneWave 0.7-meter telescope, a PlaneWave dome enclosure, and Mynaric’s RHINO Mk2 Optical Ground Terminal—all stored securely for transport inside the unit. Sea West’s custom-designed gimbal system allows for precision pier alignment and vibration isolation at the push of a button, using an HMI-controlled interface. This greatly reduces on-site setup time while maintaining high tracking and communication accuracy. The container is climate-controlled, relocatable, and can be fully installed in about three days, depending on location.

The MOGS-20 offers a more compact alternative using a 20-foot container. The dome and telescope are shipped separately, making this platform ideal for sites with limited space or access. Both models are engineered to operate in a wide range of environments and provide flexibility without compromising on capability.

Dome

Dome
PlaneWave Enclosure

Telescopes
PlaneWave 0.7-Meter

Satellite Tracking

Situational Awareness

Laser Communication

Robotic Observatory

Software Automation

Dome

Domes
Six Ash-Dome 16′-6″

Telescopes
Six custom 1-meters

Camera
Custom for interferometry

Research

Robotic Observatory

Software Automation

Project Scope

MOGS-40 and MOGS-20 were developed to meet the growing demand for portable, high-performance optical ground stations in the communication and space situational awareness industries. The MOGS-40 platform integrates advanced components into a single, transportable unit requiring minimal infrastructure. Inside, the PlaneWave Instruments dome offers superior environmental protection and can reach slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second. The 0.7-meter telescope system uses a direct-drive motor gimbal for fast, accurate tracking of satellites and other non-sidereal targets.

The RHINO Mk2 Optical Ground Terminal, developed by Mynaric, delivers 2.5 Gbps data transmission and meets U.S. Space Development Agency requirements, with higher data rates available for commercial applications. The system runs on a 200-amp single-phase power panel and requires only three concrete pads as a foundation. Combined with HVAC climate control, these features make the MOGS units a powerful and efficient solution for remote and temporary installations.

Partners

Sea West Observatories developed the MOGS platform in collaboration with PlaneWave Instruments and Mynaric. Sea West led this design-build effort including the manufacturing, structural retrofit, and novel HMI-controlled gimbal system. PlaneWave Instruments provided the optical telescope and high-performance dome enclosure, both trusted by professionals across the astronomy and satellite tracking industries. Mynaric supplied the RHINO Mk2 Optical Ground Terminal, bringing industry-leading optical communication capabilities to the system. Together, these partners created a robust, deployable solution designed for real-world operation and future-facing applications.