Optical LEO-GEO Data Relay: The In-Orbit Experience

Laser-based data transmission in orbit is available for commercial application, opening a new chapter for satellite communications. Optical LEO-GEO data relay pave the Space Data Highway for Earth Observation Spacecrafts in low Earth Orbit by offering fast access to large quantity of data. The Sentinel-1A / Alphasat TDP1 optical data relay is operational since November 2014. More than 100 successful links have been performed since, both of nominal as well as experimental character, demonstrating reliable and stable link service with adequate system margins for the implementation of the European Data Relay Satellite System EDRS. This paper presents key performances and hands-on experience from in-orbit operations of the optical data relay.