LEO-based optical/microwave terrestrial communications

Abstract

We propose an LEO-based communication system which is built by deploying a nearequatorial, circum-terra, and optic fiber (paired with a conductive fiber) along with perhaps hundreds of small (perhaps) phased-array-communications and RF-signal-transfer antennas around the earth at LEO orbits. The proposed LEO-earth connection will be through microwave links (Ku or Ka band) and ISL's through optic fiber rings. Initially the system would serve to complement existing terrestrial fiber networks, but would eventually expand into non-equatorial planes to provide global connectivity. The proposed system would make use of connectivity & broadcasting capability of satellite constellations as well as the high throughput point-to-point capability of optic fiber systems. The advantages, options, and economics of the proposed LEO optic-fiber / microwave communication system over existing terrestrial- and space-communication systems (of similar functionality) as well as the future development of the system are dealt with in the paper.