New Insights in Satellite Laser Communication Technology

Dear Colleagues,

For decades, the seemingly distinct fields of satellites and the Internet have achieved remarkable progress by following their respective development models and technological paths. In recent years, driven by both demand and technological advancement, the concept of the Satellite Internet has emerged. It is characterized by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) deployment, ultra-large scale, low latency, broadband capabilities, and low cost. It is anticipated that more types of satellites will be launched in the future, with continuous technological advancements leading to the formation of an integrated space–air–ground–sea network incorporating communication, computing, and sensing functionalities. This will propel human society into a new intelligent era.

Laser communication technology, with its advantages of high communication capacity, strong confidentiality, and small size/power consumption, is the preferred technology for backbone data transmission in Satellite Internet networks. It encompasses multiple disciplines such as lasers, optics, communications, structures, control, and electronics, representing highly complex equipment that can provide a secure and high-speed data "highway" for the Satellite Internet. Laser communication technology has progressed through stages of conceptual principle, benchtop verification, ground testing, in-orbit testing, and in-orbit application, and is currently on the verge of large-scale application. Its applications within the Satellite Internet include inter-satellite, satellite-to-ground, satellite-to-air, satellite-to-sea, and deep-space scenarios, providing mobile broadband data transmission support for various flight platforms.

To further promote the development of laser communication technology for the Satellite Internet and strengthen academic exchange, we are organizing a Special Issue to showcase the latest research progress in this field. We openly solicit research and review papers related to this domain and eagerly invite experts worldwide to contribute.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to the following:

• Inter-Satellite Laser Communication Technology
• Satellite-to-Ground Laser Communication Technology
• Satellite-to-Sea Laser Communication Technology
• Deep-Space Laser Communication Technology
• Optical Aiming, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) Technology
• Visible Light Communication Technology
• Integrated Laser Communication Time-Frequency Technology
• Integrated Laser Communication and Sensing Technology
• Integrated Optical/RF Communication Technology
• Novel Laser Communication Systems
• Laser Communication Networking Technology
• Spaceborne Optical Switching
• Spaceborne Optical Information Processing

Prof. Dr. Guanjun Xu
Dr. Chen Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• satellite optical communication
• optical channel model
• laser communication systems
• PAT technology