Starlink's laser system is beaming 42 petabytes of data per day (pcmag.com)

Article summary

Starlink's laser system is capable of beaming 42 petabytes of data per day. The system has been tested to maintain a link while a satellite is de-orbiting, even streaming video until the satellite burns up. The laser system is intended for satellite-to-satellite communication. The company plans to expand the system to be used on third-party satellites and potentially for direct communication with terminals on the Earth's surface.

Main themes

• satellite communication
• laser links
• orbital mechanics
• Doppler shift
• atmospheric interference
• initial alignment
• coherent optics
• high-speed data transmission

What commenters say

• The use of laser links between satellites in different orbital planes is a complex task due to the need for precise tracking and Doppler shift compensation.
• The Iridium satellite constellation has experience with inter-satellite links, but only within the same orbital plane.
• Cloud cover and other atmospheric conditions may affect the reliability of laser links, but some wavelengths can maintain decent signal quality even in adverse weather.
• The initial alignment of laser links is a critical challenge due to the extremely tight alignment requirements.
• Cross-plane links are doable, but have predictable complications compared to in-plane links.
• The selection of wavelengths for laser links is important, with some options being more suitable for high-speed data transmission than others.
• The use of coherent optics may be necessary for high-speed data transmission, but this also limits the available technology options and wavelengths.
• The laser system's ability to transmit data at high speeds also means it can transmit at very low speeds with additional path loss, which can be useful for initial acquisition and tracking.