Compact dual channel free space optical communication for CubeSat inter-satellite links

Abstract

The integration of Free Space Optics (FSO) inter–satellite links within low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations will bring a revolutionary change to communication systems in the near future. These links offer a multitude of advantages over conventional methods, including smaller antenna sizes, reduced weight and volume, compact form factor, cost–effective for satellite launching and deployment resources, lower power consumption, and higher data rates. Furthermore, FSO links ensure enhanced security by advantage of their high directivity and narrow beam width, effectively eliminating interference. However, there is still requiring for improvement in FSO's channel capacity when compared to radio–frequency links (RF–Links). The purpose of this article is to present an optical design for a dual–channel free space optical communication system, which has been specifically optimized to achieve a compact form factor suitable for CubeSat inter–satellite links.