Air Force Space Laser Communications

The Air Force Laser Communications (LASERCOM) Program started with system concept and component design in the early 1970s. By 1973 the system that had evolved demonstrated data rates of up to one gigabit per second with a bit error rate of 0.000001 for 40,000-km simulated links. System capabilities were demonstrated starting with 1975 to demonstrate an engineering feasibility model of a gigabit-per-second space-qualifiable transmitter and a brassboard receiver. The next phase of demonstration started in 1977 when the LASERCOM system began operation at the White Sands Missile Range. These demonstrations include ground-to-ground links of up to 20 km and aircraft-to-ground links of up to 50 km; dynamic far-field acquisition, tracking, and two-way communications are demonstrated.