Advancing Free-Space Optical Communication System Architecture: Performance Analysis of Varied Optical Ground Station Network Configurations

TL;DR

The paper addresses the challenge of realizing robust space-to-ground optical communications by comparing large, stationary Optical Ground Stations with fleets of small, portable stations, within a simulated European network of OGS and a small LEO satellite constellation. It develops a two-part approach: an industry-wide assessment of FSOC trends and a detailed network-simulation framework that uses TLE-based satellite trajectories, Meteosat cloud masks, and ERA-5 turbulence data to evaluate link performance and availability. Key contributions include a modular Python-based simulation tool, a set of deployment configurations, and quantitative insights into data throughput (PDT) and availability improvements gained through station diversity, plus a discussion of limitations and industry recommendations. The study informs policymakers and operators about the practicality of portable OGS integration, the value of site diversity, and the conditions under which FSOC can couple with emerging data-relay and QKD missions.

Abstract

This study discusses the current state of FSO technology, as well as global trends and developments in the industrial ecosystem to identify obstacles to the full realization of optical space-to-ground communication networks. Additionally, link performance and network availability trade-off studies are presented, comparing overall system performance between portable and large OGS networks in conjunction with a constellation of small low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The paper provides an up-to-date overview and critical analysis of the FSO industry and assesses the feasibility of low-cost portable terminals as an alternative to larger high-capacity OGS systems. This initiative aims to better inform optical communications stakeholders, including governments, academic institutions, satellite operators, manufacturers, and communication service providers

Figures (15)

• Figure 1: Real-World Examples of Mobile OGS [Left] Archangel Lightworks Terra-M small Optical Ground Stations (OGS) utilised for establishing ground-based communication links. [Right] TeraNet-3 mobile OGS terminal designed for flexible deployment and on-site optical signal processing archangel_2024rattenbury_2024.
• Figure 2: Overview of satellite-based FSO communication applications. The diagram shows key applications of satellite FSOC highlighting the role of data relay satellites, OGS, and atmospheric turbulence effects.
• Figure 3: Global distribution of key OGS networks. This map highlights the locations of major OGS systems across various international initiatives, including ESA’s EONN, NASA’s SCaN network, China’s OGS network, and the AOGSN.
• Figure 4: Key commercial players in the OGS market. This figure highlights major companies involved in the development and deployment of OGS systems, including leaders such as Airbus, Mynaric, General Atomics Synopta, and QinetiQ. These companies provide a variety of OGS solutions, from large-scale bi-directional links to small, portable stations used for satellite communication and quantum communication applications.
• Figure 5: System architecture for satellite pass prediction and data integration. This diagram illustrates data flow among components like satellite pass predictions, turbulence, and cloud cover from TLE data and a Cloud API. The src directory processes and integrates inputs into the dynamic analysis pipeline, addressing network availability and data throughput.