Chinese Optics, Volume. 18, Issue 3, 429(2025)

Research progress of space laser communication networking technology

Zhi LIU1,3、*, Qing-fang JIANG2, Shu-tong LIU2, Shao-qian TIAN2, Ling-yun ZHU2, Xian-zhu LIU1,3, Jia-xin YU2, Jian-tong ZHAO2, Hai-feng YAO4, and Ke-yan DONG1,5
Author Affiliations
  • 1School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
  • 2School of Electronic Information Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
  • 3NUERC of Space Optoelectronic Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
  • 4School of Optoelectronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
  • 5Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Space Optoelectronics Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
  • show less
    References(81)

    [1] JIANG H L, AN Y, ZHANG Y L. Analysis of the status Quo, development trend and key technologies of space laser communication[J]. Journal of Spacecraft TT& C Technology, 34, 207-217(2015).

    [2] [2] HEMMATI H. Deep Space Optical Communications[M]. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2006.

    [3] KAUSHAL H, KADDOUM G. Optical communication in space: challenges and mitigation techniques[J]. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 19, 57-96(2017).

    [7] RADHAKRISHNAN R, EDMONSON W W, AFGHAH F et al. Survey of inter-satellite communication for small satellite systems: physical layer to network layer view[J]. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 18, 2442-2473(2016).

    [8] [8] BILGI M, YUKSEL M. Multielement freespaceoptical spherical structures with intermittent connectivity patterns[C]. Proceedings of the IEEE INFOCOM Wkshops 2008, IEEE, 2008: 14.

    [9] [9] VELAZCO J E, GRIFFIN J, WERNICKE D, et al. High data rate intersatellite omnidirectional optical communicat[C]. Proceedings of the 32nd Annual AIAAUSU, 2018: 3542305.

    [11] SEARCY P, MATSUMORI B A. Five advantages of managed optical communications array (MOCA) technology over other Lasercomm approaches[J]. Proceedings of SPIE, 11678, 116780Y(2021).

    [12] [12] LI Q CH. Research on mechanism of aerial highprecision optoelectronic platfm based on universal joint[D]. Changchun: Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2022. (in Chinese).

    [15] [15] LI Y ZH. Research application of siliconbased optical phased array chip[D]. Changchun: Jilin University, 2023. (in Chinese).

    [16] XU J H, WANG X R, HUANG Z Q. PID tracking method of space laser communication based on liquid crystal optical phased array[J]. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, 54, 021202(2017).

    [17] CAO H, ZHANG SH Y, MU Q Q. Liquid crystal light valve system based on photoalignment[J]. Journal of Changchun University of Science and Technology (Natural Science Edition), 44, 10-14(2021).

    [18] SEARCY P, MATSUMORI B A. MOCA technology and product update with analytical results[J]. Proceedings of SPIE, 11993, 1199303(2022).

    [19] [19] PRESBY H M, TYSON J A. Pointtomultipoint freespace wireless optical communication system: US, 6445496B1[P]. 20020903.

    [20] [20] SPARROLD S W, UPTON E L, OKOGU A O. Free space pointtomultipoint optical communication system apparatus: US, 6912360B1[P]. 20050628.

    [21] [21] LAMBERT S G. Free space optical communications wk method f relay nodes: US, 106341184A[P]. 20170118. (in Chinese).

    [22] [22] MARKOVSKI M D, COLEMAN G D, SIERKACZKO W J, et al. Laser relay f free space optical communications: US, 105284064A[P]. 20160127. (in Chinese).

    [26] [26] GOU H R. Multiuser acquisition tracking method based on liquid crystal optical phased array[D]. Chengdu: University of Electronic Science Technology of China, 2019. (in Chinese).

    [27] [27] CHEN SH. Research on Simultaneous Recognition Technology of Multiple Beacon Light Single Detect Based on Code Division Multiple Access[D].Changchun University of Science Technology, 2024. (in Chinese).

    [28] HUANG X N, SUH Y, DUAN T et al. Simultaneous wavelength and format conversions based on the polarization-insensitive FWM in free-space optical communication network[J]. IEEE Photonics Journal, 11, 6500210(2019).

    [31] MENG J CH, XIE N B, BAI ZH F. Spaceborne optical switching technology for satellite internet[J]. Space- Integrated- Ground Information Networks, 3, 47-55(2022).

    [32] [32] Chinese Academy of Sciences. Xi''an institute of optics mechanics successfully validates onbit optical switching technology[EBOL]. (20231108). https:www.cas.cnsyky202310t20231008_4973365.shtml. (in Chinese)

    [33] FU Q, JIANG H L, WANG X M. Research status and development trend of space laser communication[J]. Chinese Optics, 5, 116-125(2012).

    [34] GAO D R, XIE ZH, MA R. Development current status and trend analysis of satellite laser communication (invited)[J]. Acta Photonica Sinica, 50, 0406001(2021).

    [35] YANG CH W, CHEN M, LIU X N. Current status and development trends of minisatellite laser communication terminal technology[J]. Journal of Telemetry, Tracking and Command, 42, 1-7(2021).

    [36] HEINE F, SÁNCHEZ-TERCERO A, MARTIN-PIMENTEL P et al. In orbit perfomance of tesat LCTs[J]. Proceedings of SPIE, 10910, 109100U(2019).

    [37] HAAN H, SIEMENS C. Airborne optical communication terminal: first successful link from Tenerife to the GEO Alphasat[J]. Proceedings of SPIE, 11133, 1113306(2019).

    [38] ROSE T S, ROWEN D W, LALUMONDIERE S et al. Optical communications downlink from a 1.5 U CubeSat: OCSD program[J]. Proceedings of SPIE, 11180, 111800J(2019).

    [40] [40] PULLIAM J, ZAMBRE Y, KARMARKAR A, et al. TSAT wk architecture[C]. Proceedings of 2008 IEEE Military Communications Conference, IEEE, 2008: 17.

    [42] [42] RAINBOW J. SpaceX launches OneWeb Gen 2 technology demonstrat[EBOL]. (20230801). https:spacenews.comspacexlaunchesonewebgen2technologydemonstrat.

    [43] HAUSCHILDT H, ELIA C, JONES A et al. ESAs ScyLight programme: activities and status of the high throughput optical network "HydRON"[J]. Proceedings of SPIE, 11180, 111800G(2019).

    [44] [44] VASKO C A, ARAPOGLOU P D, ACAR G, et al. Optical highspeed data wk in spacean update on HydRON''s system concept[C]. Proceedings of 2022 IEEE International Conference on Space Optical Systems Applications, IEEE, 2022: 713.

    [45] [45] SDA. Space development agency nextgeneration space architecture request f infmation (SDASN190001)[R]. Washington: Defense Pentagon, 2019.

    [46] XU L J, LIU L L, PANG H F. Development and key technology analysis of US proliferated warfighter space architecture[J]. Aerospace China, 47-54(2023).

    [47] [47] DARPA. DARPA’s Mrake 2 satellites: communicating at the speed of light[EBOL]. (20230802). https:breakingdefense.com202208darpasmrake2satellitescommunicatingatthespeedoflight.

    [48] [48] SDA. SDA layered wk of military satellites now known as “proliferated warfighter space architecture”[EBOL]. (20230802). https:www.sda.milsdalayeredwkofmilitarysatellitesnowknownasproliferatedwarfighterspacearchitecture.

    [49] [49] United States Government. Space development agency successfully launches tranche 0 satellites[EBOL]. (20230802). https:www.defense.govNewsReleasesReleaseArticle3348974spacedevelopmentagencysuccessfullylaunchestranche0satellites.

    [50] [50] U. S. Department of Defense. Space development agency makes awards f 126 satellites to build tranche 1 transpt layer[EBOL]. (20230802). https:www.defense.govNewsReleasesReleaseArticle2948229spacedevelopmentagencymakesawardsf126satellitestobuildtranche1tra.

    [51] [51] ERWIN S. Space Development Agency issues draft solicitation f 100 satellites[EBOL]. (20230802). https:spacenews.comspacedevelopmentagencyissuesdraftsolicitationf100satellites.

    [52] [52] ERWIN S. DARPA s companies f intersatellite laser communications project[EBOL]. (20230802). https:spacenews.comdarpascompaniesfintersatellitelasercommunicationsproject.

    [53] [53] Science Technology Daily. Remote sensing small satellite constellation established based on laser communication interconnection[EBOL]. (20230802. https:www.xinhua.comtech2023011646f74613b1e94a80af9091ded3ac8cf6c.html. (in Chinese).

    [54] [54] Laser Light Communications. HALO communications system[EBOL]. (20230802). https:proceedings.kaconf.compapers2016clq2_3.pdf.

    [55] [55] PULTAROVA T. Starlink satellites: facts, tracking impact on astronomy[EBOL]. (20250303). https:www.space.comspacexstarlinksatellites.html.

    [56] [56] CHAUDHRY A U, YANIKOMEROGLU H. Laser intersatellite links in a starlink constellation[J]. arXiv: 2103.00056, 2021.

    [57] [57] POSCH M. Starlink’s intersatellite laser links are setting new recd with 42 million GB per day[EBOL]. (20240303). https:hackaday.com20240205starlinksintersatellitelaserlinksaresettingnewrecdwith42milliongbperday.

    [58] [58] RIGOLLE M. LeoSat—a new satellite paradigm[EBOL]. (20230805). http:www.satmagazine.comsty.phpnumber=1365559905.

    [59] [59] JEWETT R. Mynaric to roll out nextgeneration optical link terminal[EBOL]. (20230805). https:www.satellitetoday.cominnovation20210826mynarictorolloutnextgenerationopticallinkterminal.

    [60] [60] JEWETT R. Mynaric to supply Raytheon with optical terminals f SDA program[EBOL]. (20230805). https:www.satellitetoday.comgovernmentmilitary20230622mynarictosupplyraytheonwithopticalterminalsfsdaprogram.

    [61] [61] ERWIN S. Boeing unveils WGS11 design with new military payload[EBOL]. (20250304). https:spacenews.comboeingunveilswgs11designwithnewmilitarypayload.

    [62] [62] HEINE F, MARTINPIMENTEL P, KAEMPFNER H, et al. Alphasat sentinel 1A, the first 100 links[C]. Proceedings of 2015 IEEE International Conference on Space Optical Systems Applications, IEEE, 2015: 14.

    [63] [63] RIDGEWAY B. Laser communications relay demonstration (LCRD) overview[EBOL]. (20230806). https:www.nasa.govdirectatesstmdtechdemomissionsprogramlasercommunicationsrelaydemonstrationlcrdoverview.

    [65] [65] ISRAEL D J, EDWARDS B L, STAREN J W. Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) update the path towards optical relay operations[C]. Proceedings of 2017 IEEE Aerospace Conference, IEEE, 2017: 16.

    [66] GILLMER S R, SMEATON C V, BURNSIDE J W et al. Demonstration of a modular, scalable, laser communication terminal for human spaceflight missions[J]. Proceedings of SPIE, 11816, 118160E(2021).

    [67] SEAS A, ROBINSON B, SHIH T et al. Optical communications systems for NASA's human space flight missions[J]. Proceedings of SPIE, 11180, 111800H(2019).

    [68] [68] ISRAEL D J, SHAW H. Nextgeneration NASA earthbiting relay satellites: fusing optical microwave communications[C]. Proceedings of 2018 IEEE Aerospace Conference, IEEE, 2018: 17.

    [69] [69] PARK E A, CNWELL D, ISRAEL D. NASA''s next generation ≥ 100 Gbps optical communications relay[C]. Proceedings of 2019 IEEE Aerospace Conference, IEEE, 2019: 19.

    [70] [70] WITTING M, HAUSCHILDT H, MURRELL A, et al. Status of the European data relay satellite system[C]. Proceedings of 2012 International Conference on Space Optical Systems Applications, 2012: 912.

    [71] PERDIGUES J M, SODNIK Z, HAUSCHILDT H et al. The ESA's optical ground station for the EDRS-A LCT in-orbit test campaign: upgrades and test results[J]. Proceedings of SPIE, 10562, 105622V(2017).

    [72] [72] HILL J. Airbus to commence service on EDRSC satellite[EBOL]. (20230806). https:www.satellitetoday.comlaunch20200717airbustocommenceserviceonedrscsatellite.

    [73] [73] JEWETT R. Inmarsat, addvalue debut intersatellite data relay system linking LEO GEO[EBOL]. (20230806). https:www.satellitetoday.commobility20201123inmarsataddvaluedebutintersatellitedatarelaysystemlinkingleogeo.

    [74] [74] REWS L C, PHILLIPS R L, BAGLEY Z C, et al. Hybrid opticalradio frequency (RF) communications[M]MAJUMDAR A K. Advanced Free Space Optics (FSO): A Systems Approach. New Yk: Springer, 2015.

    [75] YOUNG D W, HURT H H, SLUZ J E et al. Development and demonstration of laser communications systems[J]. Johns Hopkins APL Technical Digest, 33, 122-138(2015).

    [76] KUMAR K D, PONSEELAN A J, PRABHA D D et al. A study on Google project loon-opportunities and challenges[J]. International Journal of Emerging Technology and Innovative Engineering, 6, 206-214(2020).

    [77] [77] NEWTON C. Facebook’s drone test flight ended with part of the wing snapping off[EBOL]. (20230807). https:www.theverge.com2016121613983868facebookdronecrashaquilawingfailurentsbrept.

    [79] [79] ZHAO SH H, WEI J, LI Y J, et al. Aviation Optical Communication wking Technology[M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Scientific Technical Publishers, 2020. (in Chinese).

    [81] [81] ERWIN S. Mynaric ed by DARPA to design nextgeneration optical terminals[EBOL]. (20230807). https:spacenews.commynaricedbydarpatodesignnextgenerationopticalterminals.

    CLP Journals

    [1] Hong-li LI, Xin-yue LIU, Bo-jun DU, Jing-tai CAO, Heng ZHANG. Improved simulated annealing algorithm for wavefront correction in free-space optical communication[J]. Chinese Optics, 2025, 18(4): 784

    Tools

    Get Citation

    Copy Citation Text

    Zhi LIU, Qing-fang JIANG, Shu-tong LIU, Shao-qian TIAN, Ling-yun ZHU, Xian-zhu LIU, Jia-xin YU, Jian-tong ZHAO, Hai-feng YAO, Ke-yan DONG. Research progress of space laser communication networking technology[J]. Chinese Optics, 2025, 18(3): 429

    Download Citation

    EndNote(RIS)BibTexPlain Text
    Save article for my favorites
    Paper Information

    Category: Review

    Received: Aug. 18, 2023

    Accepted: --

    Published Online: Jun. 16, 2025

    The Author Email:

    DOI:10.37188/CO.2023-0140

    Topics