Analysis of the impact of turbulence on adaptive optics ground station performance

To date, many of the laser satellite communications downlink demonstrations have occurred at optical ground station (OGS) sites located at astronomical observatories, which are typically chosen for their favorable atmospheric characteristics including low turbulence. In this study, we investigate the effects of atmospheric turbulence on laser satellite communications performance for a low altitude ground site, where the effects of the turbulence can be more significant. In particular, we consider a site near sea level in Adelaide, South Australia where we are developing an OGS with adaptive optics (AO). A combination of experimental site turbulence measurements and numerical propagation modeling is used to undertake the investigation.