Commercial opportunities, versus government programs, will likely drive the future of laser communications

James E. Freidell

doi:10.1117/12.238429

22 April 1996 Commercial opportunities, versus government programs, will likely drive the future of laser communications

James E. Freidell

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2699, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies VIII; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.238429
Event: Photonics West '96, 1996, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Historical applications for space-based, free-space laser communications have almost exclusively been borne out of government programs. While governments will remain the primary customer for research and exploratory applications, commercial demand is sure to drive the future of laser communications. It will either drive the industry to prosperity or out of business. This paper characterizes and postulates an end to lasercom's 'developmental era.' A paradigm shift is described which may lead the industry into its 'operational era.' Some future customers and their requirements, which will likely demand industry evolution, are identified. Characteristics of requisite change are descried. And finally, the implications of such change are postulated.

Citation Download Citation

James E. Freidell "Commercial opportunities, versus government programs, will likely drive the future of laser communications", Proc. SPIE 2699, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies VIII, (22 April 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.238429

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available