Title:
A Technical Evaluation of Integrating Optical Inter-Satellite Links into Proliferated Polar
LEO Constellations
A Technical Evaluation of Integrating Optical Inter-Satellite Links into Proliferated Polar
LEO Constellations
Author(s)
Ingersoll, Joshua
Advisor(s)
Gunter, Brian C.
Editor(s)
Collections
Supplementary to
Permanent Link
Abstract
This study evaluates the technical requirements, benefits, and limitations of integrating optical inter-satellite links into
a proliferated polar LEO constellation. When compared to traditional radio frequency (RF) links, optical links can
transmit orders of magnitude more data at much lower powers in a far more secure method. However, these benefits
come with stiff coarse and fine pointing requirements, complex thermal and vibrational satellite bus interfaces, as well
as sensitivities to atmospheric conditions for LEO-ground connections. This study breaks optical inter-satellite links
(OISL’s) into three distinct categories; in-plane, out-of-plane (crosslink), and LEO-ground. General commercial off
the shelf (COTS) state of the art OISL terminal parameters are established. Based on these parameters, varying
constellation level implementation strategies are assessed based on latency, bandwidth and technical feasibility using
Model Based Systems Engineering principles. These assessments were then re-run at different OISL bandwidths,
latencies and costs to evaluate whether the optimal integration technique will change in the future as OISL terminal
capability increases. The study finds that the methodology outlined gives crucial insight into future OISL integration
and implementation strategies for both current and future mega-constellation architects. Using both current OISL
performance parameters as well as future improvements, this study finds that an RF-reliant in-plane architecture is the
optimal integration architecture given the constellation configuration constraints. This assessment can help drive the
trade space for both OISL vendors producing COTS terminals as well as commercial and military customers looking
to integrate OISL terminals into their future constellations.
Sponsor
Date Issued
2019-12-01
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Masters Project
Rights Statement
Unless otherwise noted, all materials are protected under U.S. Copyright Law and all rights are reserved