method and arrangement for uninterrupted operation of optical communications between satellites in leo networks

摘要

The optical transmission system for an intersatellite link uses four miniaturised optical terminals (32,34,36,38) mounted on the outside of each satellite body, for bidirectional transfer of information via a coherent optical transmission method. The positioning of the optical terminals on the satellite body and their pivoting in azimuth and elevation direction ensures that a link is maintained with adjacent satellites in both the flight direction and sidewards to this direction, for preventing a break in the communication path.