Abstract
As predicted by long term plans of the Space Agencies, the 90’s will be the era of exploitation of low Earth orbit by direct and permanent presence of man in space. Continuous communications with ground stations will he required both for data delivery and safety reasons. Relay satellite in geostationary orbit and intersatellite links are the keys for such communication systems [1). Considering the growing number of national or regional communication satellites and the future possibility of on-board switching, a space network can be planned by using intersatellite links. Microwave technology offers well known solutions but, in most cases, several TWTA’s are needed to ensure the intersatellite link. Because of a shorter wavelength, the optical technology gives much more antenna gain and allows to realize the link with laser diodes [2]. Furthermore, coherent techniques allow to increase receiver sensitivity and to avoid on-board demodulation (transparent transponder).
© 1988 Optical Society of America
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