Abstract: A field configurable autonomous vehicle includes modular elements and attachable components. The vehicle can be assembled from these modular elements and components to meet desired mission and performance characteristics without the need to purchase specially designed vehicles for each mission. The vehicle can include a module that enables the vehicle to communicate optically with other vehicles or personnel.

Abstract: A light receiving device that includes a lens that collects a spatial light signal, a sensor array including a plurality of light receivers that receives the spatial light signal collected by the lens, and a reception unit that integrates an electric signal derived from the spatial light signal received by each of the plurality of light receivers and selects a light receiver that receives the spatial light signal. according to a voltage value of the integrated electric signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus based on wireless optical communication, which may include: a light source outputting light; an optical circulator outputting the light in at least one direction; a collimator converting and outputting the light output through the optical circulator into a parallel beam; an optical regulator reflecting the light converted into the parallel beam, and transferring the reflected light to an external apparatus, and receiving the reflected light from the external apparatus, the reflected light being light output by reversely reflecting the light by the external apparatus; an optical detector converting the reflected light into an electric signal to generate an optical signal; and a controller analyzing the optical signal and acquiring an intensity of the reflected light, and calculating central coordinate information of the external apparatus based on the intensity value of the reflected light.

Abstract: A high data rate distribution network for low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations is described. The high data rate distribution network includes multiple LEO constellations, each constellation including a number of LEO spacecraft orbiting in a LEO plane that are all connected together by by-directional free space optical links. The distribution network further includes geostationary earth orbit (GEO) spacecraft in communication with a number of ground gateways. The GEO spacecraft can receive forward communication traffic including radio-frequency (RF) and/or optical data streams uplinked from the ground gateways and can convert the received forward communication traffic into a forward aggregated traffic. The GEO spacecraft can further optically downlink the forward aggregated traffic to LEO spacecraft in a LEO constellation that is in line of sight of the GEO spacecraft. The forward aggregated traffic is then disaggregated among and received by the LEO spacecraft in the LEO constellation.

Abstract: A coherent transceiver includes a modulator, a receiver, a filter, a splitter, a detector, and a controller. The modulator modulates a data on the basis of laser light and outputs transmission light. The receiver receives reception light with same wavelength as the transmission light from input multiplexed light, on the basis of the laser light. The filter is arranged on an input stage of the receiver and includes a first port that inputs the multiplexed light, a filter body that transmits the reception light from the multiplexed light, and a second port that outputs the transmitted reception light. The splitter splits the transmission light travelling from the modulator and inputs the splitted transmission light. The detector detects a level of the splitted transmission light input. The controller adjusts a passband of the filter on the basis of the detected level.

Abstract: A station-side telescope included in a station-side optical antenna unit is configured to transmit and receive an optical signal, a guide light source is configured to emit guide light in a direction of orientation of the station-side telescope, a node-side telescope is configured to transmit and receive an optical signal, a node-side control unit included in a node-side optical antenna unit is configured to generate and output a control signal for moving a node-side base based on a position of the guide light included in an image obtained by a camera capturing the guide light emitted by the guide light source so that a direction of orientation of the node-side telescope faces the direction of orientation of the station-side telescope, an antenna drive unit is configured to receive the control signal and generate and output a drive signal based on the control signal, and the node-side base included in the node-side optical antenna unit is configured to support the node-side telescope and receive the drive sig

Abstract: An example apparatus includes an optical transmitter, an optical splitter, lenses, and mirrors. The optical splitter has an input and several outputs. The input of the optical splitter is optically coupled to the transmitter, such that each of the outputs of the optical splitter is operable to supply a corresponding one of a plurality of modulated optical signals, each of which includes a plurality of optical subcarriers. Each of the lenses is optically coupled to a respective one of the outputs of the optical splitter. Each of the lenses is operable to receive a corresponding one of the modulated optical signals. Each of the mirrors is optically coupled to a corresponding one of the lenses, such that each of the mirrors is operable to direct a respective one of the modulated optical signals for transmission through free space.

Abstract: The technology employs a state-based power control loop (PCL) architecture to maintain tracking and communication signal-to-noise ratios at suitable levels for optimal tracking performance and data throughput in a free-space optical communication system. Power for a link is adjustable to stay within a functional range of receiving sensors in order to provide continuous service to users. This avoids oversaturation and possible damage to the equipment. The approach can include decreasing or increasing the power to counteract a surge or drop while maintaining a near constant received power at a remote communication device. The system may receive power adjustment feedback from another communication terminal and perform state-based power control according to the received feedback. This can include re-initializing and reacquiring a link with the other communication terminal automatically after loss of power, without human intervention.

Abstract: An optical routing system for free space optical communication is disclosed. The system has a transmitter and a receiver that use free space optical communication, and includes an optical path based on waveguide where an optical signal is routed from the proximity of the transmitter to the proximity of the destination. This system has advantages in terms of mitigating line-of-sight issues, as well as potentially reducing the overall coupling loss that would be otherwise incurred due to beam divergence of free space propagation for long distance.

Abstract: Broadband satellite communications systems using optical feeder links are disclosed. Various optical modulation schemes are disclosed that can provide improved capacity for fixed spot beam, on board beamforming, and ground-based beamforming broadband satellite systems.

Abstract: The technology employs a state-based power control loop (PCL) architecture to maintain tracking and communication signal-to-noise ratios at suitable levels for optimal tracking performance and data throughput in a free-space optical communication system. Power for a link is adjustable to stay within a functional range of receiving sensors in order to provide continuous service to users. This avoids oversaturation and possible damage to the equipment. The approach can include decreasing or increasing the power to counteract a surge or drop while maintaining a near constant received power at a remote communication device. The system may receive power adjustment feedback from another communication terminal and perform state-based power control according to the received feedback. This can include re-initializing and reacquiring a link with the other communication terminal automatically after loss of power, without human intervention.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a photonic crystal maser includes a dielectric body having an array of cavities ordered periodically to define a photonic crystal structure in the dielectric body. The dielectric body also includes a region in the array of cavities defining a defect in the photonic crystal structure. An elongated slot through the region extends from a slot opening in a surface of the dielectric body at least partially through the dielectric body. The array of cavities and the elongated slot define a waveguide having a waveguide mode. The photonic crystal maser also includes a vapor or source of the vapor in the elongated slot and a laser configured to generate an optical signal capable of exciting one or more input electronic transitions of the vapor.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a system is disclosed for sensing radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a receiver formed of dielectric material. The receiver includes a photonic crystal structure having an elongated slot disposed therein. The receiver also includes an antenna structure extending from the photonic crystal structure and configured to couple to a target RF electromagnetic radiation having a frequency in a range from 100 MHz-1 THz. A vapor or source of the vapor in the elongated slot. The system also includes a laser system configured to provide input optical signals to the elongated slot that interact with one or more electronic transitions of the vapor. The system additionally includes an optical detection system configured to detect the target RF electromagnetic radiation based on output optical signals from the elongated slot.

Abstract: An optical communication system includes a base station and an extended reality immersion device (XRID). The base station includes an optical transmitter assembly configured to convert an electrical signal to an optical beam, and emit the optical beam in free space, uncollimated and with a divergence angle greater than 0.1 degrees. The XRID includes an optical receiver assembly having an acceptance angle greater than 0.1 degrees. The optical receiver is configured to detect the optical beam in free space, convert the optical beam to a corresponding electrical signal, and reproduce information carried by the corresponding electrical signal. The XRID also includes a head-up display configured to present the information.

Abstract: The method for controlling an angular position of a MEMS mirror, includes: applying a first driving moment to the MEMS mirror to generate a rotational scanning movement of the mirror; and, at a zooming instant, applying a second driving moment to the MEMS mirror, wherein the second driving moment is equal to the first driving moment plus an extra moment. The extra moment may be a DC offset. After a transient period of time from zooming instant, a third driving moment M2=k{dot over (?)}2t is applied. The first and third driving moment are variable linearly with time. The driving moments are applied to torsional springs of the mirror.

Abstract: A system for imaging a biological target includes a light excitation source providing an excitation laser pulse. The system also includes an objective lens that receives reflections of the excitation laser pulse. The system further includes a reimaging optical lens that generates an image of an entrance pupil of the objective lens. The system includes a time-delayed detector that detects the image of the entrance pupil.

Abstract: Particular embodiments may provide a transceiver in geosynchronous orbit. The transceiver may include a plurality of forward channel receivers. At least one of the forward channel receivers may receive (1) a forward channel laser communication beam transmitted from a ground station and (2) an E-band frequency having a bandwidth of 81-86 GHz. The transceiver may also include a plurality of forward channel transmitters having different frequencies. The forward channel transmitters may transmit user beams to endpoint devices, wherein the user beams are derived from the forward channel laser and MMW communication beams. The transceiver may also include a plurality of return channel receivers, wherein the return channel receivers receive user beams from the endpoint devices. The transceiver may also include at least one return channel transmitter, wherein the return channel transmitter transmits a return channel laser communication beam to a ground station.

Abstract: A photonic switch device accepts a data modulated RF signal and outputs the data modulated RF signal or a frequency converted version thereof at one or more outputs of the switch device. Tunable laser(s) is/are controlled to cause peak wavelength(s) of the optical signal(s) emitted therefrom. An EOM receives the accepted data modulated RF signal and optical signal(s) produced using the tunable laser(s), and the EOM outputs an optical data signal modulated to include the data modulated RF signal. A WDM receives the optical data signal output by the EOM and the optical data signal received by the WDM demultiplexer is output at one or more outputs thereof based on peak wavelength(s) of the optical data signal. Photodetectors optically coupled to respective outputs of the WDM demultiplexer convert optical signals back to electrical signals. Related methods and system are also described herein.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first data packet on a first polarization portion of an optical signal from a second communication terminal through a free space optical link during a first time period and receiving a first data packet replica on the first polarization portion of the optical signal during a second time period. The second time period is delayed in time relative to the first time period. The method also includes determining receiving powers for the optical link during both the first time period and the second time period based on at least one of the received first data packet and the received first data packet replica. The method also includes selecting the one of the first data packet or the first data packet replica that is associated with the highest receiving power for the optical link as surviving data for maintaining the optical link.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) based multi-core and multi-wavelength interconnection network, comprising N upper-level switches, N lower-level switches, and a network intermediate stage, with each upper- and lower-level switches has N CWDM optical transceiving modules. The N optical transceiving modules of each upper-level switch is connected with n m×1 multi-core optical multiplexing modules, the N optical transceiving modules of each lower-level switch is connected with n 1×m multi-core demultiplexing modules, the network intermediate stage is comprised of n2 r×r multi-core and multi-wavelength wiring modules. The upper-level multi-core optical multiplexing modules, the lower-level multi-core demultiplexing modules, and the n2 r×r multi-core and multi-wavelength wiring modules of the network intermediate stage are connected via an m-core MPO-MPO optical fiber jumper. The wiring complexity of the interconnection network is O(N2/r), with employment of a wavelength set of ?={?0, . . . , ?k-1}.

Abstract: A coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute electromagnetic energy from at least one object onto a plurality of detectors. Each of the channels includes a localization code that is different from any other localization code in other channels, to modify electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine sub-pixel localization of the object onto the detectors, such that a location of the object is determined more accurately than by detector geometry alone. Another coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute a partially polarized signal onto a plurality of pixels. Each of the channels includes a polarization code that is different from any other polarization code in other channels to uniquely polarize electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine a polarization pattern.

Abstract: An inter-satellite communication device for satellites orbiting within a constellation of satellites comprises at least one optical terminal dedicated to intra-orbital plane communication links and at least one optical terminal dedicated to inter-orbital plane communication links, each optical terminal dedicated to intra-orbital plane communications configured to transmit and receive optical signals with an optical terminal of an identical satellite orbiting in the same orbital plane, each optical terminal dedicated to inter-orbital plane communications configured to transmit and receive optical signals with an optical terminal of an identical satellite in an orbital plane adjacent over the entirety of its orbit in its orbital plane and each optical terminal dedicated to inter-orbital plane communications having a field of regard such that the half-angle at the vertex of the latter is larger than the maximum value of the azimuthal angle over a revolution around the Earth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer program code are disclosed. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one processor, the at least one memory, and the computer program code may be configured to cause the apparatus to generate a divergent beam for an optical source that is coincident with a divergent beam for an optical detector. The apparatus may determine an adjustment to a mirror to cause an optical alignment of an incoming beam with the optical detector based on at least an optical intensity across the optical detector, wherein the alignment is with respect to at least another apparatus. The apparatus may adjust a position of the mirror according to the determined adjustment, and change the divergent beam to a collimated beam to enable optical communications with the other apparatus via the collimated beam.

Abstract: A photonic radiofrequency signal cross-connect and frequency conversion device comprises: electronic/optical converters, for transferring radiofrequency input signals to optical carriers; optical combiners for grouping together in one and the same optical path several optical signals generated by the electronic/optical converters; electro-optical modulators for mixing the optical signals being propagated in a same optical path with a respective radiofrequency carrier; optical splitters for splitting the optical signals at the output of the modulators; optical combiners for grouping together the optical signals deriving from different optical paths; and optical/electronic converters, associated with these optical combiners. A space-borne telecommunications payload comprising such a photonic device is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for satellite communication comprising a plurality of kytoons, each kytoon of the plurality of kytoons includes a hub positioned within the kytoon, an adjustable spine that is connected to the hub and varies a diameter and volume of the kytoon, and first and second tether access tubes that are each open to the atmosphere at one end and are sealed to the hub of the kytoon at another end.

Abstract: Provided herein is a rack server including a rack, a plurality of system boards and a fan plate. The system boards are disposed within the rack, and each system board has a first wireless transceiver. The fan plate is also disposed within the rack, and the fan plate has a plurality of second transceivers, and the second transceivers are wirelessly connected to the first transceivers, respectively.

Abstract: A local communications apparatus is aligned with a remote apparatus, each apparatus comprising radio frequency (RF) and free space optical (FSO) transceivers with substantially parallel boresight. Coarse alignment is performed using the RF transceiver and fine alignment is performed using the FSO transceiver. A patterned search is performed to locate the RF signal from the remote apparatus and known features of the intensity profile are utilized to locate the global maximum, thus coarsely aligning the pair of apparatuses. A second patterned search is performed to locate the FSO signal from the remote apparatus and an iterative step-search is used to align the FSO signal centroid with the FSO transceiver, thus finely aligning the pair of apparatuses.

Abstract: A laser relay module for free space optical communications including an optical telescope for receiving and transmitting optical beams; an optical diplexer for separating transmitting and received optical beams; an optical amplifier; a modulated beacon laser for line of sight control of a plurality of communicating remote network nodes; a beacon beam detector for detecting an incoming beacon optical beam for line of sight control of the optical telescope and receiving data from other network nodes; and means for inserting an output of the modulated beacon laser into the optical telescope for transmission to another network node, and for transporting the incoming beacon optical beam to the beacon detector.

Abstract: A satellite test signal reflection apparatus for testing transmitters sending out optical signals, the apparatus includes a plate that is at least partially permeable to optical signals. The plate has a base with a first surface with a residual reflective coating and a second surface. The residual reflective coating is configured to split an optical beam, which penetrates the plate in a first direction from the first surface to the second surface, into a reflective optical beam and a transmitted optical beam.

Abstract: Optical communications system (10) and method for transmission of payload data (PD) from a low earth orbit satellite (20) to an optical ground terminal (30), the low earth orbit satellite (20) being connectable with the optical ground terminal (30) via an optical downlink channel (DL), and the optical ground terminal (30) being connectable with the low earth orbit satellite (20) via an uplink channel (UC); wherein said uplink channel (UC) is an acquisition and tracking beacon channel by means of a ground beacon (GB) controlled by a point-acquisition-track subsystem (PAT), the ground beacon (GB) comprising a wide angle beam (W) for acquisition and a guidance beam (G) for tracking; and wherein the ground beacon (GB) for the uplink channel (UC) is a pulse position modulated PPM channel.

Abstract: Optical downlink system (10) and method of optical data transmission between a remote terminal (20) having a number of n optical communication terminals (OT1-OTn), and a ground terminal (30) comprising a cluster of n optical ground stations (OGS1-OGSn) connected by n optical downlink channels (DL1-DLn) respectively n optical uplink channels (UC1-UCn) characterised by a spatial separation of the optical downlink channels (DL1-DLn) and a temporal separation of the optical uplink channels (UC1-UCn).

Abstract: A free space optical communication system (100) and method including a constellation of several satellites (102). Each of satellites including: several inter-satellite optical telescopes (204) for optical communication with multiple neighboring satellites, each inter-satellite optical telescope is capable of adjusting its elevation angle to accommodate changes in the number of satellites in the constellation; and several up/down link optical telescopes (206) for optical communication with multiple ground sites, where each ground site has several ground optical telescopes. As the constellation passes a given ground site, some of the up/down-link telescopes of a given satellite are configured to track at least two respective ground optical telescopes of the given ground site and send data to the ground optical telescope with the clearest line of sight to the given satellite.

Abstract: A free space optical communication system (100) and method including: several optical beam expanders (414) for receiving incoming optical signals from ground sites and neighboring satellites; several optical preamplifiers (412) for preamplifying the received optical signals; one or more optical main amplifiers (404) for amplifying the preamplified optical signals; and an optical switch (408) for directing respective amplified optical signals to respective destinations via a respective optical beam expander. The respective amplified optical signals are inputted to a respective optical beam expander (414) for transmission to said respective destinations, as outgoing optical signals.

Abstract: A free space optical communication system (100) and method including a constellation of several satellites (102). Each of satellites including: several inter-satellite optical telescopes (204) for optical communication with multiple neighboring satellites, each inter-satellite optical telescope is capable of adjusting its elevation angle; and several up/down link optical telescopes (206) for optical communication with multiple ground sites. As the constellation passes a given ground site, some of the up/down-link telescopes of a given satellite are configured to track at least two respective ground optical telescopes of the given ground site and send data to the ground optical telescope with the clearest line of sight to the given satellite. Moreover, each of the satellites includes optical circuitry (208, 210, 212, 216) for optically processing and switching incoming and outgoing optical signals without converting the optical signals into electrical signals.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for controlling from a first location a laser at a second location are disclosed. Laser orientation data is determined at a first location. The laser orientation data is communicated to the second location. Video data is received from the second location that includes imagery of a laser beam emitted by a laser, and the imagery is presented on a display at the first location.

Abstract: The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large rigid buoyant platform in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. The platform can serve several uses, either individually or in any combination. These uses include uninterrupted radio and light communications, radar and optical observation including very powerful radars and solar power electricity generation. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground which hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from a photovoltaic array is used to power platform uses and can also be coupled to high voltage transmission lines which transmit power from the platform to the earth's surface during daylight hours. Power can also be transmitted up to the platform during darkness to power facilities mounted on the platform ensuring continuous operation.

Abstract: A free space optical communication system (100) and method including a constellation of several satellites (102). Each of satellites including: several inter-satellite optical telescopes (204) for optical communication with multiple neighboring satellites, each inter-satellite optical telescope is capable of adjusting its elevation angle; and several up/down link optical telescopes (206) for optical communication with multiple ground sites. As the constellation passes a given ground site, some of the up/down-link telescopes of a given satellite are configured to track at least two respective ground optical telescopes of the given ground site and send data to the ground optical telescope with the clearest line of sight to the given satellite. Moreover, each of the satellites includes optical circuitry (208, 210, 212, 216) for optically processing and switching incoming and outgoing optical signals without converting the optical signals into electrical signals.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for improving the visibility and identification of satellites using light emitting diodes. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for improving the visibility of satellites. The method can include attaching one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to a satellite, supplying one or more signals to the one or more LEDs, and producing light emission having a unique identifier from the one or more LEDs based at least in part on the one or more signals.

Abstract: A method for communication includes modulating data to produce a series of symbols defined in a signal space. The symbols are pulse-shaped using a given pulse shape. A signal, which includes a sequence of the pulse-shaped symbols (104A . . . 104C) transmitted at a symbol rate that is higher than a Nyquist rate defined for the given pulse shape, is transmitted to a receiver (40). Prior to pulse-shaping the symbols, Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI) in the signal is pre-compensated for by applying a lattice precoding operation to the symbols. The lattice precoding operation confines the symbols to a predefined volume (110) in the signal space and is computed independently of any feedback from the receiver.

Abstract: An optical LNB capable of fast position-adjusting is employed in an LNBF. The optical LNB includes a down-converting device coupled to an OMT of the LNBF for down-converting a polarized signal for generating a first intermediate frequency signal, a branching device for branching the first intermediate frequency signal for generating a second and a third intermediate frequency signals, an electrical/optical converting device coupled to the branching device for converting the second intermediate frequency signal into an optical signal, and a power end for receiving power from a power supply and outputting the third intermediate frequency signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending timing information using an optical signal. A first electrical signal comprising a pseudorandom binary sequence is generated. The first electrical signal comprising the pseudorandom binary sequence is modulated with a second electrical signal to form a modulated electrical signal. The second electrical signal includes timing data in a format used for global positioning systems. An optical carrier signal is modulated with the modulated electrical signal to form the optical signal using an optical transmitter.

Abstract: A system for communication between two communication platforms, including a near-earth returning platform and a remote platform. A bidirectional asymmetrical communication link is set up between the two platforms.

Abstract: An optical receiver includes a first substrate including a demultiplexer and a first optical waveguide array. An input of the demultiplexer is configured to receive a wavelength division multiplexed optical input signal having a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of channels corresponds to one of a plurality of wavelengths. Each of the plurality of outputs is configured to supply a corresponding one of the plurality of channels. The first optical waveguide array has a plurality of inputs. Each of the inputs of the first optical waveguide array is configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of channels. A second substrate is in signal communication with the first substrate and includes an optical detector array. The optical detector array has a plurality of inputs, each of which is configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of channels and generate an electrical signal in response thereto.

Abstract: An optical LNB capable of fast position-adjusting is employed in an LNBF. The optical LNB includes a down-converting device coupled to an OMT of the LNBF for down-converting a polarized signal for generating a first intermediate frequency signal, a branching device for branching the first intermediate frequency signal for generating a second and a third intermediate frequency signals, an electrical/optical converting device coupled to the branching device for converting the second intermediate frequency signal into an optical signal, and a power end for receiving power from a power supply and outputting the third intermediate frequency signal.

Abstract: Methods for mapping and resampling images such as satellite or aerial images are presented, including methods to measure relative displacements of images, methods to refine look directions of an aircraft or satellite for aerial or satellite imaging and methods to ortho-rectify and co-register raw satellite or aerial images.

Abstract: A space-time division multiple-access (STDMA) laser communications (lasercom) system and related techniques. The STDMA system includes a plurality of remote nodes and an STDMA access node which uses precise electronic beam steering and beacons to provide access to each of a plurality of remote access nodes by means of both space and time-division multiple access.

Abstract: A device includes a power module to produce a switched voltage and to convert the switched voltage into a waveform adapted to wirelessly pass through a structure. The device may include a data module to receive a wireless signal through the structure, where the wireless signal includes information, and to send the information toward a destination.

Abstract: A satellite or spacecraft in low Earth orbit, when in eclipse and not illuminated by sunlight, represents a low-bandwidth datastream through modulation of a source of uncollimated light, such as a set of light emitting diodes. Transmission modes include generating patterns in the color, intensity or polarization of a light source, or precise timing control of a strobe signal. A ground station tracks the satellite in a telescope, stewing the telescope to follow the satellite as it moves across the sky, recording light generated by the satellite with a light sensor such as a video camera. The datastream is regenerated through analysis of recorded video. Satellite downlink is initiated by detection of eclipse, by command via radio uplink, or in response to a periodic automatic timer. In an alternative embodiment, the satellite represents the datastream through modulation of its effective albedo or reflective flux during periods of solar illumination.

Abstract: A system and method of free-space optical satellite communications includes a ground station and transceiver for transmitting and receiving an optical communications signal. Adaptive optics at the ground station are operative with the transceiver for determining the shape of any distortions in the wavefront of the optical communications signal and compensating at the ground station for the distortions. A satellite includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving the optical communications signal and includes adaptive optics for determining the shape of any distortions in the waveform of the optical communications signal and compensating at the satellite for the distortions.

Abstract: A communications system for wireless transceiving of information, comprising at least one multiple optical beam scanning array transceiver located in a satellite for wirelessly transceiving the information; and at least two terminals at diverse locations capable of wirelessly transceiving the information between the terminals and the satellite, and an apparatus for determining atmospheric conditions for use in adjusting the multiple beam scanning array transceiver parameters.