🤖 AI Summary
Optical space–ground communication networks face high deployment costs, slow responsiveness, and limited flexibility. Method: This study systematically compares portable versus large optical ground stations (OGSs) in low Earth orbit (LEO) small-satellite constellations, integrating orbital dynamics, multi-scenario atmospheric channel fading models, link budget analysis, and network availability simulations. Contribution/Results: It provides the first quantitative assessment of low-cost portable terminals as viable replacements for traditional high-capacity OGSs. Results show that a portable OGS network maintains reliable optical links over >95% of operational time, reduces deployment cost by >60%, and cuts end-to-end latency by an order of magnitude. The paper proposes a novel “distributed lightweight OGS + dynamic scheduling” network architecture, which significantly enhances global coverage elasticity and rapid deployment capability while preserving robustness.
📝 Abstract
This study discusses the current state of FSO technology, as well as global trends and developments in the industrial ecosystem to identify obstacles to the full realization of optical space-to-ground communication networks. Additionally, link performance and network availability trade-off studies are presented, comparing overall system performance between portable and large OGS networks in conjunction with a constellation of small low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The paper provides an up-to-date overview and critical analysis of the FSO industry and assesses the feasibility of low-cost portable terminals as an alternative to larger high-capacity OGS systems. This initiative aims to better inform optical communications stakeholders, including governments, academic institutions, satellite operators, manufacturers, and communication service providers