Inter Satellite Links

The 2nd generation of the european gnss galileo which will be launched around 2022 considers the use of both radio frequency and optical isls for ranging and low band width.

Inter satellite links.

Always on connectivity and smart data analysis and management require resilient and futureproof networks to deliver connectivity and services. Inter satellite radiocommunication service is according to article 1 22 of the international telecommunication union s itu radio regulations rr defined as a radiocommunication service providing links between artificial satellites. Isl can drastically reduce the data forwarding latency especially for small constellations. Leosat s system using inter satellite laser links for commercial communications is a departure from existing solutions today pairing the speed of fiber with the ubiquity of satellite.

Laser communication in space is free space optical communication in outer space. Oppenhaeuser in orbit test result of an operational inter satellite link between artemis and spot 4 in proc. In outer space the communication range of free space optical communication is currently of the order of several thousand kilometers suitable for inter satellite service it has the potential to bridge interplanetary distances of millions of kilometers using optical telescopes as beam expanders. Optical inter satellite links are one of the most critical technologies required to be demonstrated for tranche 0 the space development agency said in a request for proposals issued last month for its communications constellation known at the transport layer.

Optical inter satellite links isl are the best technology for the next generation of the galileo navigation system a tde activity t617 501mm has shown. A continuous link is required for voice communication or safety related and thus mission critical applications. If these isls could manage high data rates in gigabit per seconds the network becomes a broadband connectivity services. Inter satellite links isl are essential to connect satellites operating in a constellation.

New possibilities for data exchange and independencies from ground networks are offered. Optical terminals for inter satellite links.