Modelling of free space optical (FSO) communications and networking with low earth orbit (LEO) satellites

In this talk, we examine the use of free space optical (FSO) links to and from low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems and their incorporation within larger network architecture models. FSO link models are presented to predict dynamic link quality to and from a surface terminal to a LEO terminal. We also outline the design and development of network emulation and simulation capabilities to analyze the use of dynamic FSO-LEO link models within broader communication network architectures. We present an early network emulation demonstration of FSO-LEO link models involving data transfer between two surface observers and multiple opportunistic LEO satellite events.