Special issue: Shining a light on future broadband satellite systems: optical and quantum space communications systems and technologies

Abstract

Optical space communications have moved from the Research & Development (R&D) stage and are now ready to be applied in commercial satellite communication systems, bringing with them significant advantages such as much higher data rates, low probability of intercept, no restriction for frequency use, lower payload volume and mass, and less power consumption requirements. The European Space Agency has demonstrated laser communications from an airborne platform to ground stations, further establishing that high-throughput laser communications are feasible and ready for commercial service, and the European Data Relay System is relying on optical inter satellite links for its commercial data relay service. The US fundedTransformational Satellite Communications System program, developed and partially validated highly successful inter-satellite laser optical links, proving the efficacy and efficiency of laser communications. In Japan, there is a lot of activity on optical communications by satellite, and China has declared an intention to develop a quantum satellite. Researchers in Austria and Spain are working on applications of quantum communications, and the UK has recently announced an investment to convert quantum-physics research into commercial products. A new generation of proposed satellite constellations has intent to develop a service addressing the high bandwidth data and next-generation service needs of carriers, enterprises, and government agencies around the world, based entirely on optical wave technology. We would like to invite papers addressing these and other related topics: