Inter-satellite Communication System Research Articles

Analysis of inter-satellite optical wireless communication systems for enhanced data transmission in satellite constellations

This research focuses on the comprehensive performance analysis of inter-satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) systems, specifically tailored for high data rate applications in Earth observation satellites. The research employs OptiSystem 21.0 simulation software to model and analyze the IsOWC systems. The simulation scenario is set in a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation, typical for Earth observation satellites. Various system parameters are systematically varied to assess their impact on performance. Modulation types, such as non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and return-to-zero (RZ) are analyzed for their influence on the quality (Q) factor. The study further explores the effects of different wavelengths, antenna apertures, transmitter output powers, and link distances on the IsOWC system performance. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing IsOWC systems for Earth observation satellites, contributing to the advancement of communication technologies in satellite networks. The research shows that the NRZ modulation consistently outperforms RZ modulation in terms of maximum Q factor and minimum BER across different antenna apertures and power levels. Additionally, shorter wavelengths exhibit improved performance, while larger antenna apertures contribute to enhanced signal quality. The relationship between transmitter power and data rate is also investigated, demonstrating the potential for achieving higher data rates with increased transmitter power. The findings guide the selection of parameters to achieve optimal performance, ensuring efficient data transfer and meeting the demands of contemporary Earth observation missions. This study provides conclusive evidence that the 1350 nm wavelength outperforms the 1550 nm wavelength in reliable and high-data-rate optical wireless communications, offering higher received power, superior signal quality, and lower bit error rates. This makes it a preferred choice for systems in challenging space environments and could enhance future satellite communication architectures.

Channel Modeling Based on Transformer Symbolic Regression for Inter-Satellite Terahertz Communication

Channel modeling is crucial for inter-satellite terahertz communication system design. The conventional method involves manually constructing a mathematical channel model, which is labor-intensive, and using a neural network directly as a channel model lacks interpretability. This paper introduces a channel modeling approach based on symbolic regression. It is the first time that using transformer neural networks as the implementation tool of symbolic regression to generate the mathematical channel model from the channel data directly. It can save manpower and avoid the interpretability issue of using neural networks as a channel model. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified by generating a free space path loss model from simulation data in the terahertz frequency band.

Development of high-precision beam splitter for inter-satellite communication system

Development of high-precision beam splitter for inter-satellite communication system

Ultra-long haul high speed 96 × 40 GB/s radio over IsOWC system employing advanced modulation scheme

Abstract This paper successfully demonstrates that point-to-point (P2P) superdense wavelength division multiplexing (SDWDM) based on the radio over intersatellite optical wireless communication (Ro-IsOWC) system of 96 channels separated by a 100 GHz bandwidth with 40 GB/s data rate on each stream at a 10,000 km link range has been designed and investigated. The performance of the proposed work has been evaluated by considering the comparison of advanced modulation schemes such as carrier-suppressed return-to-zero (CSRZ), duobinary return-to-zero (DRZ), and modified duobinary return-to-zero (MDRZ) with an optical preamplifier on the bases of bit error rate (BER), quality factor, eye height, and optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) in the clear weather condition. Moreover, the effects of internal parameters such as transceiver aperture diameter and gain of an optical amplifier also have been analyzed with an optimized modulated system. Apart from this, the system performance also has been assessed under varying data rates and OWC frequency ranges with the best-suited modulation format. It has been found that the CSRZ modulation format has shown robust performance and can achieve BER as better as 10−09 with a 5.5 dB quality factor for all wavelengths. It also has been observed that the quality of the received signal deteriorates below an unacceptable value for data rate and link distance beyond 40 GB/s and 10,000 km, respectively.

Optimization of multiple access mode for large-scale constellation networking communication

In the large-scale satellite constellation technology, the establishment of satellite internal network is the top priority. As the network capacity of the constellation continues to expand and the number of satellite nodes continues to increase, the previous multiple access technology can no longer meet the network capacity requirements of large-scale constellations. In order to meet the requirements of massive connections of satellite nodes in large-scale constellation for new networking communication methods, this paper establishes a sparse spread spectrum inter-satellite communication system with sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as the core. At the same time, the channel characteristics of large-scale constellation are analyzed and the corresponding inter satellite channel model is established in MATLAB. Based on this channel model, the performance of the system is simulated. The simulation results show that under the same signal energy to noise ratio, the sparse spread spectrum inter-satellite communication system established in this paper has better BER characteristics compared with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) and code division multiple access (CDMA). In addition, the threshold signal energy to noise ratio of the system is more than 2 dB better than that of CDMA technology, and the utilization rate of time-frequency resources is 50% higher than that of OFDMA technology.

Design and Simulation Analysis of Piezoelectric Ceramic Tube-Based Fiber Optic Nutator Applied to an Intersatellite Laser Communication System

The signal-receiving end of acquisition, pointing, and tracking (APT) systems applied to intersatellite laser communication terminals usually uses a fast-steering mirror (FSM) to control the fiber-coupling process, has a complex structural design, and induces large errors in the nonideal coaxial optical path. Herein, we propose a fiber-optic nutator using a piezoelectric ceramic tube (PCT) as the driving unit that allows scanning in the focal plane of the light signal to achieve active fiber coupling in the APT system. Specifically, this article describes the structural design principle of a PCT-based fiber optic nutator, establishes a simulation model of the mechanism, and proves the correctness of the simulation model by measuring the deflection angle of a PCT based on a parallel light collimator. The minimum accuracy of the designed nutator was 0.145 μm, the maximum nutation radius R was 20.09 μm, and the maximum nutation bandwidth was 20 kHz, as determined through simulation. Finally, the design parameters of the nutator were evaluated. The PCT-based fiber optic nutator, which met the design parameters, structurally replaced the fiber optic coupling component FSM and fine tracking camera in conventional APT systems successfully. Therefore, the PCT-based fiber optic nutator allows the active coupling control of signal light to a single-mode fiber (SMF) based on energy feedback on a theoretical basis and promotes the lightweight design of relay optical paths in APT systems. In addition, with future work in optimization of the nutation control algorithm, the scanning range and accuracy of the nutator can be improved.

Designing of high-speed inter-satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) system incorporating multilevel 3-D orthogonal modulation scheme

Designing of high-speed inter-satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) system incorporating multilevel 3-D orthogonal modulation scheme

A reach enhanced hybrid OCDMA-MDM multiplexing based IsOWC system incorporating EDFA, SOA, and RFA

Abstract Reach enhancement in inter-satellite optical wireless communication systems (IsOWC) is an utmost requirement due to ever-increasing internet usage all over the globe. Optical code division multiplexing is prominently incorporated for security enhancement in IsOWC systems, however, limited in terms of total reach. Therefore, in this work, a 120 Gbps capacity-based hybrid OCDMA and mode division multiplexed (MDM) IsOWC is presented using different optical amplifiers such as semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), and Raman fiber amplifier (RFA). Moreover, the combined effects of Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) with EDFA/SOA/RFA and Hermite–Gaussian (HG) modes with EDFA/SOA/RFA amplifiers are investigated. Results revealed that the proposed system can cover 5000 km IsOWC link within acceptable BER limits and EDFA with LG modes is found to be the best technique.

A high-speed multi input multi output Ro-IsOWC system incorporating Manchester coding and E-LP, O-LP modes

Abstract Aiming at the link length enhancement in intersatellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) system, considering the hybrid radiofrequency (RF)-enabled multi input multi output (MIMO) system, we accentuate the realization of medium earth orbit (MEO)-based IsOWC system by incorporating different modulation formats such as return to zero (RZ), non-RZ (NRZ), and Manchester coding. A 40 Gbps and 16 × 8 MIMO system enabling 40 GHz RF signal is proposed by using even linear polarized (E-LP) mode, and odd linear polarized (O-LP) mode over a 22,000 km IsOWC channel. Further, a performance comparison of NRZ, RZ, and Manchester coding is performed at different IsOWC distances in terms of the Q factor. Results revealed that the proposed system with Manchester coding and O-LP mode can successfully cover the 22,000 km IsOWC link length by exhibiting a 6.35 Q factor value.

Performance analysis of 2λ × 160 Gbps optical single sideband (OSSB) generation in polarization division multiplexed (PDM) QPSK based satellite wireless optical systems (SWOS)

Abstract Capacity enhancement in satellite wireless optical systems (SWOS) systems is an ultimate task to accomplish due to ever-increasing internet services and it can be achieved by incorporating polarization division multiplexed (PDM) quadrature phase shift keying (PDM-QPSK). Herein, 2λ × 160 Gbps intersatellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) system is proposed using PDM-QPSK. Spectral efficiency is prime requirement to enhance the performance of system and therefore, a suppression of optical single sideband (OSSB) in PDM-QPSK carrier spectrum is performed by employing fiber Bragg grating with 0.99 reflectivity. Proposed system is investigated in terms of log BER and error vector magnitude percentage (EVMP) at varied SWOS distances. Further, effects of the digital signal processing (DSP) in the receiver are analyzed by considering and neglecting the module. Results revealed that suppression of sidebands and employment of DSP enhance the system performance and competent to cover 52,000 km SWOS distance.

Inter-satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) systems challenges and applications: a comprehensive review

Abstract Satellite communication, in over half a century have attained remarkable breakthrough in high speed transmission. These innovations, on the other hand, have come in tandem with significant performance improvements in other IT and telecommunications systems. As a result, these significant benefits are not as visible to the broader public as they would be as if this burst of performance had occurred in isolation. In nutshell, space satellite communication using optical technology provide powerful alternative to radio frequency (RF) and make communication reliable and cost effective. Satellite communications systems allow a whole new race of civilian and defence operations in surveillance, telecommunications, object tracking and space exploration. Since independent satellites are restricted by volume, space and strength, small satellites production in bulk clusters may be effective for a range of wildfire monitoring, science missions, mapping in gravity and water management exploration, among others. The development of communications satellites would provide for a more comprehensive understanding of the near-earth environment as well as a more efficient and cost-effective way of reaching space, thanks to the utilisation of multi-satellite systems. As a result, when satellites are designing, IsOWC is an utmost point to be considered. The numerous researches being performed in the satellite communications for introducing multi communications based on different orbits are described in this study. IsOWC systems over radio frequency based communication are preferred due to large bandwidth, high speed, absence of electromagnetic interference (EMI), lower transmission losses and improved security. We also present a detailed listing of challenges in Is-OWC such as Doppler shift, point ahead angle, satellite vibration and tracking, acquisition tracking and pointing (ATP) and background noise sources.

An MBSE Architectural Framework for Inter‐Satellite Communication in a Multiorbit Disaggregated System

AbstractThe Multi‐Orbit Disaggregated System (MODS) concept is a disaggregation strategy geared towards improved resiliency and flexibility of space missions by dispersing payloads and/or functionality across multiple small satellites (SmallSats). Although SmallSats make good candidates for deployment as a MOD System, their success hinges on the ability to realize reliable Inter‐Satellite Communication (ISC). To this end, we investigate the efficacy of developing a model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) Architectural Framework for ISC to guide and constrain instantiations of ISC architecture solutions. An MBSE architectural framework is a systems engineering artifact that defines a set of views required to describe an architecture based on MBSE principles and practices. It provides a standardized structure and guidance to capture architectural decisions while maximizing opportunities for commonality, consistency, and interoperability within the Domain of Interest. To achieve well‐defined architecture descriptions, a MODS architectural framework pattern, and a comprehensive architectural framework for the ISC (sub)system are created and presented. The Systems Modeling Language (SysML) (OMG, 2019) serves as the modeling language for the framework design.

Coarse-refined combined scanning method of beaconless inter-satellite laser communication system

Coarse-refined combined scanning method of beaconless inter-satellite laser communication system

Performance Analysis and Evaluation of Inter-Satellite Optical Wireless Communication System (IsOWC) from GEO to LEO at Range 45000 km

The importance of free-space optical (FSO) communication has increased during the last decade, introducing its unique features such as its high data rate, license-free spectrum, ease of deployability, and low power consumption. In the future, communication between low earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites will be commonly established by using inter-satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) systems. That enables GEO satellites to relay information to and from LEO satellites and fixed Earth stations that otherwise cannot transmit/receive data permanently. IsOWC systems are the most effective application of the FSO, and they will be favorited shortly because of their features. In this work, we established an IsOWC between GEO and LEO satellites at a distance of 45000 km to achieve a target bit error rate (BER) equal to 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−6</sup> . Furthermore, we proposed an IsOWC system with suitable operating wavelengths. Physical techniques such as the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) technique and a wave division multiplexing (WDM) technique are employed.

Beacon correction method for inter-satellite laser communication

Positioning errors are caused by wavefront distortion owing to the thermal deformation of optical systems. To address this issue, we propose a restoration algorithm to correct for the beacon centroid, which is important for inter-satellite laser communication links. Based on the far-field distribution model of the distortion facula, the objective function is established to solve the wavefront distortion for reducing the pointing error of the optical communication system. The feasibility of this approach is verified by theoretical analysis and experimental verification, including in-orbit experimental verification. The proposed approach is likely to be useful for designing inter-satellite laser communication systems.

Architecting an MBSE Black-Box System Model for the Physical Layer of a Visible Light Intersatellite Communication System

Fast and reliable high-speed intersatellite communication (ISC) between small satellites is dependent on the physical layer (PL) design of the onboard communication system. However, as with nonlegacy systems, the lack of architecture and design information pertaining to the development of the PL of an LED-based visible light communication (VLC) system for ISC poses significant challenges to architecting the communication system. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach to the specification of the system design. To this end, we explore the use of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) principles in mitigating the design complexity of the PL architecture for the VLC system. Design concerns and gaps are addressed by developing an executable black-box system model that specifies the conceptual architecture of the system, and a parametric model that analyzes multiple system configurations based on generated values for the signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate parameters. We utilize the structural, behavioral, and parametric semantics of SysML to define, specify, visualize, and analyze the various system design configurations. The resulting PL black-box system specification is verified through model execution.

Investigation and analysis of inter-satellite- optical wireless communication system based on dense-wavelength-division multiple-access

Optical wireless communication offers high data rates applications due to license-free and wide-bandwidth access techniques and cost-effective implementations. Recently, the world introduced to a revolutionary technology called Inter-satellite optical communication that aims to establish transmission among satellites. However, transmitting pointing errors is the main issue in creating an inter-satellite link, which leads turbulences in the connection. This article aims to study the implementation of an optical wireless communication system in satellite communication. In this work, we investigate and analysis of data rate of 16-channel in inter-satellite optical wireless communication systems (Is-OWC) based on dense-wavelength-division multiple-access (DWDM) with standard downlink channel spacing DWDM (ITU grid specification). Computer simulations are carried using Opti-system over different wavelengths between two satellites transmit 160 Gbps over 7000 km. This evaluation performance is based on eye diagrams, BER, optical spectrum and Q-Factor with minimum input power under turbulences of transmitter pointing error angle

Investigation and analysis of inter-satellite- optical wireless communication system based on dense-wavelength-division multiple-access

Optical wireless communication offers high data rates applications due to license-free and wide-bandwidth access techniques and cost-effective implementations. Recently, the world introduced to a revolutionary technology called Inter-satellite optical communication that aims to establish transmission among satellites. However, transmitting pointing errors is the main issue in creating an inter-satellite link, which leads turbulences in the connection. This article aims to study the implementation of an optical wireless communication system in satellite communication. In this work, we investigate and analysis of data rate of 16-channel in inter-satellite optical wireless communication systems (Is-OWC) based on dense-wavelength-division multiple-access (DWDM) with standard downlink channel spacing DWDM (ITU grid specification). Computer simulations are carried using Opti-system over different wavelengths between two satellites transmit 160 Gbps over 7000 km. This evaluation performance is based on eye diagrams, BER, optical spectrum and Q-Factor with minimum input power under turbulences of transmitter pointing error angle

Performance Analysis of Inter-satellite Optical Wireless Communication (IsOWC) System with Multiple Transmitters/Receivers

The satellite communications networks have certainly been innovated recently by Inter-satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) networks. The prerequisite for next generation mobile satellite communication is superior multimedia facility for consumers at anytime and anywhere. The proposed optical communication system is designed and analysed to improve data transmission quality over the distance between two geostationary (GEO) satellites greater than 36000 km. This trend is to achieve high speed transmission with minimizing the presence possibility of free space loss in transmission that can occur in satellite communication via the longest range. Numerous transceivers IsOWC is a hopeful way to deal with be utilized related to different earth stations as a system utilized between the geosynchronous satellites. The wireless transmission creates the opportunity at high optical power without free space loss. The results of the simulated system showed that with 32 transmitters/receivers IsOWC, the Q-factor values of 36.526, 12.176 and 4.015 are obtained at 38000 km range at laser power of (19, 14 and 9) dBm, respectively. The proposed system is operated at 19 dBm optical power and different values of aperture size and the best values of Q-factor and BER are 41 and 10−250, respectively, for highest diameter value of 20 cm. The operation of the system with various values of bit rate is verified as well. It is seen that the best system performance is at 0.032 Gb/s bit rate and will be of lower as the bit rate increases until it roughly fixes at 32 Gb/s. This research offers the treatment for the transmission problem for ultra-speed application in mobile satellite systems.

Анализ ключевых технологий создания многоспутниковых орбитальных группировок малых космических аппаратов

One of the key areas of modern world cosmonautics is the development of cluster space systems for various purposes, consisting of a large number of functioning spacecraft. This became possible due to a decrease in the mass of spacecraft due to the creation and use of new materials, the development of electronics and microelectromechanical systems, the use of the group launch method, the development of multi-agent technologies and inter-satellite communication systems. There are projects of systems consisting of a large number of space objects, such as OneWeb, Planet, Starlink, Satellogic, etc. The main classes of devices used to create such multi-satellite systems are small satellites, including the number of micro (up to 100 kg) and nano (up to 10-15 kg) classes, which have significant advantages over heavy spacecraft, especially in terms of the timing and cost of their creation. The deployment of multi-satellite constellations, including hundreds and thousands of satellites, requires fundamentally new approaches to the creation of spacecraft and the system as a whole at all stages of the life cycle. The article discusses the key technologies used to create multisatellite orbital constellations based on small satellites at different stages of the life cycle - from the early stages of design to the stage of operation and disposal (information from orbit). The experience of a joint project of Samara University and the Progress Rocket and Space Center on the creation of a constellation of small spacecraft of the AIST series is presented.