Why use optical links between satellites and ground stations?
Optical links can carry high data rates in a compact beam, but a ground link needs precise pointing and a clear path through the atmosphere. Clouds, site availability, satellite visibility windows and network handoffs still shape actual service capacity.
Answered in
NTT and Safran Want Satellite Laser Links to Behave More Like a NetworkA November 6 memorandum explores connecting Safran optical ground stations to NTT's network control and All-Photonics Network technologies.
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