Tbps GEO relay optical links as a backup to submarine cable infrastructures

This paper provides an overview of the activities at Viasat on optical relay links targeting multi-Tbps secure backbone connectivity through a relay GEO satellite equipped with two laser communication terminals (LCTs). An Optical Ground Station (OGS) in the Area of Interest (AOI) transmits the data up to a relay satellite via a bi-directional optical link. The relay satellite subsequently transmits the data down to an OGS outside the AOI. The undersea cable infrastructure plays a crucial role in the internet ecosystem and is of strategic importance. High-capacity optical GEO relay satellites offer a promising solution to minimize the impact of potential outages. They ensure critical infrastructure connectivity even when fiber optic cables are damaged. This would guarantee essential services critical for societal functions and underpinning vital economic activity.