Coherent inter-satellite and satellite-ground laser links

Abstract

Since February 2008 coherent laser communication links are operational in-orbit. Transmitting data at a rate of 5.625 Gbps they verify the capability of laser communication exemplarily in LEO-LEO and Ground-LEO constellations. The LEO-LEO links run with a bit error rate of 10^-11. Acquisition typically is closed within seconds. On the basis of these results laser communication terminals are adapted to LEO-GEO links with a still scalable user data rate of 1.8 Gbps. The terminals will be applied in the European data relay system.