Lasers to bridge satellites

Laser Intersatellite Link (ISL) technology will use an optical telescope to concentrate and aim coded laser light at a target satellite, where a receiving telescope will capture and again concentrate the diffuse laser signal onto a detector for processing. The major application for laser ILS will be the cross-linking of military satellites in geostationary orbits, so that they can communicate without relying on vulnerable ground stations or dedicated relay satellites. The Strategic Defense Initiative Organization also regards laser links as essential for its envisioned network of satellites, which must exchange large quantities of intelligence and targeting data. Because laser signal reception is possible only when a receiver is near the center of the beam, ISLs will be highly resistant to jamming and interception.