Laser communications utilizing the Molniya satellite orbit

Russell L. Thornton; Ronald L. Phillips; Larry C. Andrews

doi:10.1117/12.507460

27 January 2004 Laser communications utilizing Molniya satellite orbits

Russell L. Thornton, Ronald L. Phillips, Larry C. Andrews

Proceedings Volume 5160, Free-Space Laser Communication and Active Laser Illumination III; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.507460
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The Molniya orbit can be exploited for communications using laser technology. Since the Molniya orbit repeats, exactly, every 24 hours, such a system will allow high latitude and ground based lasers to use Molniya satellite links much the same way that equatorial located lasers can use geostationary satellites. Thus the benefits of a geostationary laser communications system can be employed worldwide.

Citation Download Citation

Russell L. Thornton, Ronald L. Phillips, and Larry C. Andrews "Laser communications utilizing Molniya satellite orbits", Proc. SPIE 5160, Free-Space Laser Communication and Active Laser Illumination III, (27 January 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.507460

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