Fundamental Challenges for Laser Satellite Communications and Quantum Key Distribution
R. Saathof (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
S. Speretta (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J. Guo (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J.M. Kuiper (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
E.K.A. Gill (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
Laser satellite communications provides an attractive application for optical communications. It provides more bandwidth with improved security at potentially a lower cost due to reduced size weight and power (SWAP) and reduced license cost compared to radio frequencies (RF) communications. These advantages have been recognized for years and lead to the successful European data relay service (EDRS) [1]. This service provides the proof that optical communications can be used as a reliable means of satellite communications. In addition, the inherently save quantum key distribution (QKD) technology is demonstrated in a satellite to ground link in [2]...