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Inter satellite Optical Communication


INTRODUCTION

Communication links between space crafts is an important element of space infrastructure, particularly where such links allow a major reduction in the number of earth stations needed to service the system.

example of an inter orbit page link for relaying data from LEO space craft to ground is shown in the figure below


The above figure represents a page link between a Low earth orbiting (LEO) space craft and a Geostationary (GEO) space craft for the purpose of relaying data from the LEO space craft back to the ground.

The page link from the GEO Satellite to ground is implemented using microwaves.

However, the interorbit page link (IOL) can employ either microwave or optical technology. Optical technology offers a number of potential advantages over microwave.