A high data rate LEO to GEO optical crosslink design

It is noted that significant advances in laser communication technology can be utilized to provide low-risk, high-data-rate links from a low Earth orbit (LEO) to a geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellite or from a LEO satellite to the ground. The authors address the design of these links where data rates of 1 Gb/s and greater are required. The acquisition, the cooperative tracking, and the communication channel requirements, and implementation are developed and discussed, including atmospheric effects for a LEO satellite to ground link. Size, weight, and power estimates are included. Major components are identified. Overall system development risk is shown to be low, based on component maturity