• Electronics and Telecommunications Trends
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.85-95
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• 2023

Space optical communication technology capable of large-capacity, high-speed, and low-latency communication can reduce the size, weight, and power consumption of radio frequency communications in existing satellite systems, thereby reducing launch costs, accommodating additional science instruments, and extending lifetime. Despite the high technical difficulty, various projects are being carried out in advanced countries regarding space technology for use in national security and defense, earth observation, and space communications. We review the advantages, key components, and development trends of space optical communication technology, which is attracting attention in applications such as satellite communications, intersatellite linking, and deep space communications.