Using Laser Transceivers for LEO Satellite Links

Organizations in both the public and private sectors are currently racing to launch large numbers of satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO). The main purpose of these satellite ‘constellations’ is to improve and expand our telecommunications infrastructure. But, in order for constellations to offer the highest possible bandwidth transmission at the minimum cost, their individual satellites must be able to communicate directly through highspeed links. Laser-based transceivers offer one possible technological solution for these intersatellite links. This article explains the reasons for this and explores some of the photonics technology available for this application.