Spatial multiplexing in optical feeder links for high throughput satellites

Optical feeder links are an attractive alternative to the RF feeder links in satellite communications (SatCom). In this paper, we present initial results from an optical feeder link study. We discuss the architecture of a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite system based on optical feeder links. To mitigate the effects of cloud coverage, which is the main availability-limiting factor, Optical Ground Station (OGS) diversity is employed. Moreover, a spatial multiplexing scheme is considered. Assuming an ON-OFF channel model, the number of required OGSs to ensure availability and throughput requirements is analyzed.