The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan has over 20 years of experience in R&D of space-ground laser communications with missions. We are currently developing a laser communication terminal named “HICALI” (HIgh-speed Communication with Advanced Laser Instrument), aiming to achieve 10 Gbps-class space communications with a 1.5 μm-band laser beam between optical ground stations (OGSs) and the next-generation high-throughput satellite called ETS-9 with a hybrid onboard communication system using radio and optical frequencies, which will be launched into the geostationary orbit in 2021. Moreover, we have studied laser communication terminals for terrestrial networks, as an alternative wireless system to radio frequency (RF) band. The development of a test and breadboard model for HICALI has been conducted for several years and we are now carrying out an engineering model as well as designing the OGSs segment. In this chapter, we describe the current development status and advanced demonstration plans of the “HICALI” mission with ETS-9.

Chapter Contents:

• 40.1 Introduction
• 40.2 Overview of HICLI project
• 40.3 Demonstration plans of HICLI project
• 40.4 Conclusion
• Acknowledgments
• References

Inspec keywords: optical fibre networks; telecommunication network planning; space communication links; satellite ground stations

Other keywords: high-speed communication with advanced laser instrument; radio frequency band; next-generation high-throughput satellite; hybrid onboard communication system; laser beam; wavelength 1.5 mum; NICT; space-ground laser communication terminal; breadboard model; OGS; high-speed laser communication HICALI mission; engineering test satellite 9; National Institute of Information and Communications Technology; optical ground stations; geostationary orbit; ETS-9

Subjects: Satellite communication systems; Communication network design, planning and routing; Space communication systems; Optical fibre networks