Preliminary analysis of LEO-ground channel measurements between the QUBE satellite and DLR’s OGS.

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This research quantifies the impact of atmospheric conditions on LEO-to-ground optical satellite links by contrasting urban and rural signal propagation environments. By utilizing the QUBE satellite and a DLR optical ground station, the team employs Shack-Hartman wave-front sensors and pupil imagers to collect high-fidelity channel measurement data. This characterization is critical for optimizing the placement and performance of future optical ground stations in support of secure quantum communications and precise time-frequency transfer.