Laser intersatellite links (LISLs) are envisioned between satellites in upcoming satellite constellations, such as the one in phase I of SpaceX's Starlink. Within a constellation, satellites can establish LISLs with other satellites in the same orbital plane (OP) or in different OPs. We present a classification of LISLs based on the location of satellites within a constellation and of LISLs' duration. Then, using the satellite constellation for phase I of Starlink, we study the effect that varying a satellite's LISL range has on the number of different types of LISLs it can establish with other satellites. In addition to permanent LISLs, we observe a significant number of temporary LISLs between satellites in crossing OPs. Such LISLs can play a vital role in achieving low-latency paths within next-generation optical wireless satellite networks.

中文翻译：

---

星际星座中的激光卫星间链路：分类和分析

在即将到来的卫星星座中，例如在SpaceX的Starlink的第一阶段中，将在卫星之间构筑激光星际链路（LISL）。在一个星座内，卫星可以与同一轨道平面（OP）或不同OP中的其他卫星建立LISL。我们根据星座内卫星的位置和LISL的持续时间，对LISL进行分类。然后，使用Starlink I阶段的卫星星座，我们研究了改变卫星的LISL范围对其可以与其他卫星建立的不同类型的LISL数量的影响。除了永久的LISL，我们还观察到交叉OP中卫星之间存在大量的临时LISL。