Challenge for optical inter-satellite communications

Wide band inter-satellite communication technology will become very important to support the expanding multi-satellite global space application systems in the next century. Optical inter-satellite communication will be the key element for the space communications infrastructure, on the analogy of the ground optical fiber communication systems. The OICETS project, a developmental work of this technology, and international cooperation in the related area are presented. (Note) This paper is an update of that presented at ''AIAA/ESA Workshop on International Cooperation in Satellite Communications'' on March 1995, ESTEC.