Telesat Lightspeed™- Enabling Mesh Network Solutions for Managed Data Service Flexibility Across the Globe

Abstract

Rapid demand in global broadband requirements are driving advanced commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications systems that can deliver global broadband capacity at terrestrial level costs and performance. Flight demonstration programs such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) “Blackjack” program are exploring the utility of Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs) for these new LEO systems. For global communications, LEO systems, such as that being developed by Telesat, provide unprecedented broadband capabilities. In addition, Telesat's new LEO system, Lightspeed™ represents very low latency communications, fiber-like mesh connectivity via OISLs increasing the capabilities for data dissemination and delivery across the globe. The ability for a User Terminal (UT) to reach back without the need for anchor relay stations through multiple OISL hops between communication satellites, provides secure and resilient connectivity. Unilateral global (including high latitude polar) connectivity, at fiber like speeds, provides a dramatic change to high-capacity data distribution and dissemination while delivering robust reliable and trusted information. The purpose of this paper is to provide an architectural overview of the Lightspeed mesh network interfaces as spacecraft-to-spacecraft (via OISL) relay data between spacecraft, ground stations, satellite operations center, and network operations center concepts. The mesh connectivity created by Telesat's Lightspeed network enables managed data service flexibility and should be considered as an important step in interleaving optical communication space systems within the Lightspeed commercial constellation. Additionally, Lightspeed introduces an incremental constellation construct of polar and inclined shells that can integrate and manage various capabilities to deliver key network metrics, prioritizations, performance, at Gbps data rates. We identify and address challenges associated with operating OISLs within Lightspeed's mesh network, to include acquisition, tracking, tasking, efficient data routing, and managing network data. Lastly, we present enabling standards and technologies that enhance network flexibility, inter-operability and identify areas of future capability development.