Laser Research

From the photographer: “The Optical Ground Station (OGS), installed in the Teide observatory (Tenerife, Canary Islands), 2400 above the sea level, was built as part of ESA long term research in the field of inter-satellite optical communications. The original purpose of the station, equipped with a 1-meter telescope, is to perform the in-orbit test of laser telecommunications terminals on board of satellites in Low Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit. The periodic laser link sessions performed between ARTEMIS and the OGS since 2001 in varying turbulence and weather conditions have proven that stable and reliable laser communication links are feasible through the atmosphere.”