Special Issue on “Advances in Optical Space Communications”

Abstract

Optical space communications has long been considered the most efficient means for transferring information and keeping high-rate connection to various space assets, from Low-Earth Orbit via GEO and Moon towards the planets in our solar system. While technological boundaries prevented its use in the first place after the invention of the laser, initial evaluations of interorbit links for data repatriation in the 2000s proved its advantages (SILEX, OICETS, LCTSX). After that, Space Data High Way has demonstrated operational service provision with the EDRS constellation. Also, in deep space communication scenarios, LLCD and currently Psyche confirmed the advantages of optical communication in reaching the farther spots of our Solar System.

Nowadays, optical intersatellite links are already the technology of choice for network interconnects in LEO Mega-Constellations. In future, in Very-High-Throughput Satellite Systems (VHTS), the RF-feeder link will be replaced by optical feeders providing several Terabit/s in one beam instead of requiring a multitude of RF ground stations spread over several countries.

Furthermore, quantum key exchange and network securing by discrete particle states are already in early application phase on ground and in space applications, and finally, the application of deep space optical communications for Planetary Exploration promises not only extreme increase in data throughput but also new sensing and observation opportunities, up to the interplanetary internet as is required for human settling on other planets and asteroids, allowing to finally overcome the frontier of our terrestrial legacy.

Concluding, we would like to cordially thank all the authors for their excellent contributions and their perseverance during the long reviewing and publication process. We also compliment the reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions which helped to further refine the quality of all papers. We trust that the readership will perceive this special issue beneficial and will take it as a reference for future developments in the field of Optical Space Communications and their scientific application.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.