Space-based laser systems for inter-satellite communications

Alex A. Kazemi; Allen Panahi

doi:10.1117/12.918901

10 May 2012 Space-based laser systems for inter-satellite communications

Alex A. Kazemi, Allen Panahi

Proceedings Volume 8368, Photonic Applications for Aerospace, Transportation, and Harsh Environment III; 83680H (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.918901
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Space-based optical communications using satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) and Geo synchronous orbits (GEO) hold great promise for the proposed Internet in the Sky network of the future. Building high speed communications network using optical links in space has proven to be an extremely complicated task and many such schemes were tried without success in the past. However in the last few years, there has been impressive progress made to bring the concept of space based laser systems for inter-satellite communications to fruition in civilian and government-non classified projects. Laser Communications High data rate, small antenna size, narrow beam divergence, and a narrow field of view are characteristics of laser communications that offer a number of potential advantages for system design. Also discussed are the laser based optical inter-satellite communication equipment which enables large capacity communication, and the advantage of their systems. Laser-based communications offer a viable alternative to established RF communications for inter-satellite links and other applications where high performance links are a necessity.

Citation Download Citation

Alex A. Kazemi and Allen Panahi "Space-based laser systems for inter-satellite communications", Proc. SPIE 8368, Photonic Applications for Aerospace, Transportation, and Harsh Environment III, 83680H (10 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.918901

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