Optical satellite networks

Author

Chan, Vincent W S

Author_Institution

Lab. for Inf. & Decision Syst., MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA

Volume

21

Issue

11

fYear

2003

Firstpage

2811

Lastpage

2827

Abstract

With high-speed space optical crosslink being a reality, the construction of an optical satellite network as part of a larger integrated space-terrestrial network is now feasible. This paper explores the architecture implications of the invention of such a radical technology building block. Not only can the satellite network performance and cost undergo quantum-leap improvements but also such a network can have profound transforming effects on space system architectures and data network user applications.

Keywords

multi-access systems; optical links; satellite links; transport protocols; LEO constellations; backbone network nodes; communication subsystem; high-rate optical crosslinks; high-speed space optical crosslink; integrated space-terrestrial network; optical multiple access; optical satellite communications; optical satellite networks; optical space communications; physical layer; spacecraft-LAN; spatial acquisition geometry; Application software; Atmosphere; High speed optical techniques; Integrated optics; LAN interconnection; Low earth orbit satellites; Optical fiber networks; Optical sensors; Space exploration; Space technology;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Lightwave Technology, Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0733-8724

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/JLT.2003.819534

Filename

1251108