Commercial opportunities versus government programs will likely drive the future of laser communications

摘要

Abstract: Historical applications for space-based, free-spacelaser communications have almost exclusively been borneout of government programs. While governments willremain the primary customer for research andexploratory applications, commercial demand is sure todrive the future of laser communications. It willeither drive the industry to prosperity or out ofbusiness. This paper characterizes and postulates anend to lasercom's 'developmental era.' A paradigm shiftis described which may lead the industry into its'operational era.' Some future customers and theirrequirements, which will likely demand industryevolution, are identified. Characteristics of requisitechange are descried. And finally, the implications ofsuch change are postulated. !24