Laser communication has significant advantages in satellite communication, and the following are its main features and application values:

1. High data transmission rate

Laser communication utilizes high-frequency laser as carrier wave, whose frequency can reach hundreds of terahertz (THz), much higher than that of traditional microwave communication, which is from a few GHz to several tens of GHz, which means that laser communication is able to support higher data transmission rate, and it is expected to realize Tbps-level transmission in the future. For example, China's “Practice 20” satellite has realized a downlink transmission rate of 10Gbps.

2. Strong anti-interference ability

Laser communication has a very small divergence angle, good directivity, and is not restricted by electromagnetic spectrum resources. Therefore, laser communication is not easy to be interfered by the outside world during transmission and does not need to apply for space frequency use license.

3. High confidentiality

Laser communication using the band is usually 0.8 ~ 1.55μm invisible light, and the beam is extremely narrow, difficult to be captured and intercepted. This makes laser communication in the military and confidential communication has a very high level of security.

4. Lightweight equipment

The transceiver optical antenna and transmitter-receiver components of the laser communication system are small in size and light in weight, which can meet the requirements of satellites for miniaturization, light weight and low power consumption, and are especially suitable for application in small satellites and large-scale constellation construction.

5. Saving construction costs

Establishing interstellar link through laser communication can reduce the construction demand of ground gateway station and simplify the satellite network structure, thus reducing the overall construction cost.

6. Abundant spectrum resources

The spectrum resources of laser communication are far richer than microwave communication, and are not restricted by frequency bands, which can support more efficient communication and data transmission.

7. Enhancement of constellation communication efficiency

Laser communication can significantly improve the communication efficiency of satellite constellations, especially in interstellar links and star-earth links. For example, laser communication can realize high-speed data transmission between low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites and support longer communication connections.

8. Adapting to future communication needs

With the progress of satellite technology, the amount of data generated by satellites is increasing, and traditional microwave communications are difficult to meet the high bandwidth demand. The high-capacity and high-speed characteristics of laser communication make it an ideal choice for future satellite communication.

Summarize

Laser communication shows many advantages in satellite communication such as high data transmission rate, strong anti-interference ability, high confidentiality, lightweight equipment, saving construction cost, etc., which is an important development direction for future satellite communication.