How do space laser communications handle atmospheric?

1. Bypassing Cloud Cover: Network & Architectural Diversity\r\nBecause cloud particles (water droplets and ice crystals) physically block infrared laser wavelengths, systems rely on routing strategies to ensure data reaches the ground.\r\nGeographic Site Diversity (OGS Networks): Operators deploy networks of Optical Ground Stations (OGSs) spaced hundreds of kilometers apart, primarily in high-altitude, low-humidity locations (such as mountaintops and deserts). If clouds obscure one ground dish, the satellite dynamically redirects its laser downlink to an alternate clear station.\r\n\r\nSpace-to-Space Relay Routing: Using Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs), a satellite over a cloudy region hands off its data through the orbital mesh network to another satellite positioned directly over a clear ground station.\r\n\r\nHybrid Optical/RF Systems: Satellites pair high-bandwidth optical terminals with traditional radio-frequency (RF) backup links (such as Ka-band). If clouds block the optical path, the system automatically degrades gracefully to an RF link to prevent data loss.