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We present a proposal for a network of optical ground stations in Australia and New Zealand for optical communications to provide secure satellite links for the growing space-based market. Optical ground station nodes in the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia have been funded and are currently being planned. Partial funding for other nodes in Western Australia and New Zealand has also been achieved. Funding for infrastructure is being sought to tie these stations together to produce a world leading optical communication network. This presents an opportunity for our nations to become a space-to-ground data highway and become a leading provider of secure satellite links for a large and growing market. In order to take advantage of hardware currently in orbit and planned (including quantum communication) each network node will be capable of communications with optical and current radio-frequency methods. This has the added benefit of future proofing optical communications hardware and building industry with the accessibility of an optical ground station network. |
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