Space laser communications: A review of major programs in the United States

Summary This paper reviews space laser communication technology developments in the United States of America from 1960 to 2000. Early programs initiated and funded by government agencies closely followed the advancements made in laser transmitter technology. In the 1980s, growing commercial interest in long distance terrestrial fiber cables contributed significantly to the advancement of critical components. While several laser communications terminals were fully developed and flight qualified, actual space flight tests were not conducted due to funding problems, schedule overruns, and changed priorities. The first opportunity for commercial intersatellite links, the Iridium program, was missed due to a lack in technology readiness. The second opportunity for large-scale commercial deployment of very wide band terminals was the Teledesic program. The Teledesic terminal combined the most advanced design concepts with the latest component technologies. Unfortunately, business considerations forced the program to be cancelled in 1998.