Air Force Space Laser Communications

In 1970 the United States Air Force created the Space Laser Communications (LASERCOM) Program in order to develop system concepts and component designs for high-data-rate laser communications systems. By 1975, a space-qualIflable engineering model of a one gigabit-per-second spaceborne transmitter had been developed and fully tested. Since then, that transmitter and a brassboard receiver have been used in a laboratory test bed environment to extensively Investigate and demonstrate the system capabilities of laser communications systems. The system program has now entered Its field test phase. Laser communication systems have potentially unique application to certain satellitesatellite and satellite-aircraft links, whereas application to other communication links will require detailed cost analyses. Some communications I iruks may be most effectively satisfied by a hybrid LASERCOM and radio frequency system