# Laser Inter-Satellite Link Setup Delay: Quantification, Impact, and Tolerable Value

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.05285 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2301.05285/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 12 Jan 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Decentralised Semi-supervised Onboard Learning for Scene Classification in Low-Earth Orbit](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.04059/) (2023)
- [ASTRA: ADMM-Accelerated Topology Reconfiguration for Dynamic Satellite Constellations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.33993/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Dynamic laser inter-satellite links (LISLs) provide the flexibility of connecting a pair of satellites as required (dynamically) while static LISLs need to be active continuously between the energy-constrained satellites. However, due to the LISL establishment time (termed herein as LISL setup delay) being in the order of seconds, realizing dynamic LISLs is currently unfeasible. Towards the realization of dynamic LISLs, we first study the quantification of LISL setup delay; then we calculate the end-to-end latency of a free-space optical satellite network (FSOSN) with the LISL setup delay; subsequently, we analyze the impact of LISL setup delay on the end-to-end latency of the FSOSN. We also provide design guidelines for the laser communication terminal manufacturers in the form of maximum tolerable value of LISL setup delay for which the FSOSN based on Starlink's Phase I satellite constellation will be meaningful to use for low-latency long-distance inter-continental data communications.