Application of high data-rate space laser communication system in aerospace information networks

High data-rate space laser communication system is capable of providing gigabit data throughput between space-based platforms and is used in aerospace information networks as high speed network link between neighbouring nodes. Tracking and pointing problem due to high-speed movement of space nodes and collaboration problem with network payload are two major challenges. Based on the analysis of system components of high data-rate space laser communication system, this paper proposed a two communication payloads architecture which used the high-rate space laser communication system as the primary communication payload of network nodes in aerospace information networks, designed the collaborative work mechanism between the high data-rate space laser communication system and the network payload, as well as the communication protocol model in aerospace information networks. According to this protocol model, we developed the hardware and software prototypes and carried out some tests. The test result shows that the proposed collaborative work mechanism and protocol model are applicable to aerospace information networks.