# Free Space Optical Communication for Inter-Satellite Link: Architecture, Potentials and Trends

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.17505 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.17505/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 26 Oct 2023.

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

- [Satellite Edge Artificial Intelligence with Large Models: Architectures and Technologies](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.01676/) (2025)
- [Satellite Federated Fine-Tuning for Foundation Models in Space Computing Power Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.10403/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The sixth-generation (6G) network is expected to achieve global coverage based on the space-air-ground integrated network, and the latest satellite network will play an important role in it. The introduction of inter-satellite links (ISLs) can significantly improve the throughput of the satellite network, and recently gets lots of attention from both academia and industry. In this paper, we illustrate the advantages of using the laser for ISLs due to its longer communication distance, higher data speed, and stronger security. Specifically, space-borne laser terminals with the acquisition, pointing and tracking mechanism which realize long-distance communication are illustrated, advanced modulation and multiplexing modes that make high communication rates possible are introduced, and the security of ISLs ensured by the characteristics of both laser and the optical channel is also analyzed. Moreover, some open issues such as advanced optical beam steering, routing and scheduling algorithm, and integrated sensing and communication are discussed to direct future research.