Optical Feeder Link From Antarctic Latidudes

Abstract

Polar Ground Stations play an important role in the context of data reception from earth observation satellites. However, there are significant challenges associated with the repatriation of these large amounts of data from Antarctic stations to the user. The EFAL (EDRS Feeder Link from Antarctic Latitudes) study examines the possibility of optical data transmission from Antarctica via the upcoming operational European Data Relay System (EDRS) into the European data network. The technical feasibility of the connection will be analysed. It mainly depends on two conditions: The first is the effect of turbulent atmosphere on the laser connection at extremely low elevations of approximately 9 degrees; the second condition is the availability of an optical link, which is determined by the cloud statistics. Both aspects are examined for an exemplary location in Antarctica.