Low-cost, long-distance, high-bandwidth laser communication system for small mobile devices and spacecraft

Abstract

In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods and systems for low-cost, long-distance, high-bandwidth laser communication system for small mobile devices and spacecraft. For example, in one embodiment, such a system includes a first station having therein: (i) a processor and a memory to implement configuration instructions for the system, (ii) a laser origination source, and (iii) a transmitter to transmit a laser signal from the laser origination source from the first station; a second station having therein: (i) a processor and a memory to implement configuration instructions for the system, (ii) a light sensor array to receive the laser signal transmitted from the first station, and (iii) a reflector to reflect back at least a portion of the transmitted laser signal back to the first station; and in which the second station is to modulate the received laser signal transmitted from the first station to encode a message onto the laser signal reflected back to the first station. Other related embodiments are disclosed.