LASER LINKS BETWEEN SATELLITES.

Laser optical systems are now being developed in several countries as an alternative to radio for communication links between satellites. They have several advantages. One is that they provide a wide frequency spectrum and at the same time save space in the microwave or mm-wave radio bands. Another advantage is that high gain can be achieved with small reflectors at optical frquencies. This allows the transmitter and receiver to be small and lightweight with low power consumption. These optical links also provide a high degree of privacy in communication and are largely immune from electrical interference.