Intersatellite link meaning

A communications link that carries signals directly between two artificial satellites, rather than between a satellite and an earth station. In legal practice it arises in satellite procurement and service contracts, spectrum licensing, and ITU/Ofcom/ComReg filings for satellite constellations. The term is descriptive rather than a statutory definition. Internationally, the related “inter‑satellite service” is defined in the ITU Radio Regulations as links between artificial satellites, and UK and Irish regulators apply those definitions in licensing and coordination. Key features and issues: - Space‑to‑space path, often called a “crosslink” or “ISL”. - May use radiofrequency or optical technologies. RF intersatellite links typically require frequency assignment, coordination and notification under the ITU Radio Regulations, with administration by Ofcom (UK) or ComReg (Ireland), and compliance with interference limits and power flux density rules. - Contractual terms commonly address availability, routing within a constellation, information security, allocation of interference risk, export‑control compliance, and service credits/liability. Practical significance includes enabling traffic to be routed within constellations without immediate reliance on ground stations, which can affect latency, capacity planning and landing rights considerations. Usage is broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.