6. Constellation of Satellites: Integrated Space/Aerial/Terrestrial/Underwater (SATU) All-Optical Networks for Global Internet Connectivity

Design concept technology leading to high-bandwidth, high-data-rate global Internet connectivity and seamless communications using all-optical technology based on integrating laser/optical communication constellation satellites, UAVs, balloons, and air terminals is presented. The analysis is discussed to determine the optimum number of satellites in a given orbit for best communication performance and different communication links for the constellation satellites. Various types of satellites involved in communication constellation are discussed: conventional communication satellites, small satellites, microsatellites, CubeSats, and picosatellites: specific orbits: optimum number of satellites for given orbital heights, data rates, and minimizing of latency in the network. Applications of free-space optical (FSO) communications to design basic architecture of space optical communication networks are also described. Constellation of satellites for laser space communication network using GEO, MEO, and LEO satellites are addressed for both inter-satellite links (ISLs) on the same orbit and also interorbital links emphasizing relay satellite communication network using constellation. Finally, constellation designs for LEO mega-constellations for integrated satellite and terrestrial networks to establish global communications and connectivity are also presented.