9. Summary, Conclusions, and Future Directions

This chapter provides and discusses the essential conclusions from all the chapters described in the book in order to develop all-optical concept technologies as future potential solution to establish high-data-rate global connectivity and communication. The summary, brief conclusions, and future directions are highlighted in this chapter. The needs for space optical networks in the book include LEO and GEO satellites, aerial high-altitude platforms (HAPs), UAVs, CubeSats, and terrestrial and underwater optical terminals. The book’s major contributions are summarized as well as the impact and issues of existing and planned large satellite constellation for communications are pointed out. Future directions and challenges of developing integrated space/terrestrial/underwater network and the limitations are also mentioned in this chapter.