Laser communication in space

Laser communication in space is the use of free-space optical communication in outer space. Communication may be fully in space (an inter-satellite laser link) or in a ground-to-satellite or satellite-to-ground application. The main advantage of using laser communications over radio waves is increased bandwidth, enabling the transfer of more data in less time.

In outer space, the communication range of free-space optical communication is currently of the order of hundreds of thousands of kilometers.^[1] Laser-based optical communication has been demonstrated between the Earth and Moon and it has the potential to bridge interplanetary distances of millions of kilometers, using optical telescopes as beam expanders.^[2]

^ "LLCD: 2013-2014". National Aeronautics and Space Agency. 15 June 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
^ Steen Eiler Jørgensen (27 October 2003). "Optisk kommunikation i deep space – Et feasibilitystudie i forbindelse med Bering-missionen" (PDF). Dansk Rumforskningsinstitut. Retrieved 28 June 2011. (Danish) Optical Communications in Deep Space, University of Copenhagen

[1] "LLCD: 2013-2014". National Aeronautics and Space Agency. 15 June 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2022.

[2] Steen Eiler Jørgensen (27 October 2003). "Optisk kommunikation i deep space – Et feasibilitystudie i forbindelse med Bering-missionen" (PDF). Dansk Rumforskningsinstitut. Retrieved 28 June 2011. (Danish) Optical Communications in Deep Space, University of Copenhagen

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