Cubesat Laser Communication Relay Network

A system for reducing the cost and increasing the rate and reliability of data transmission from space to ground includes a network of relay satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Each relay satellite is configured to receive data from one or more client satellites, and configured to transmit data from LEO to ground using optical communications. The system may also include multiple optical ground stations configured to receive the data and transmit the received data using terrestrial networks to client locations. The network may provide an alternative to downlinking large amounts of data for new satellite operators without an existing ground network and for established satellite operators seeking higher data rates, lower latency, or reduced ground system operating costs.