The present invention relates to a multiple access space laser
communications optical system. According to the present invention,
multiple optical signals containing a number of channels are
simultaneously received and demultiplexed at a multiple access
communication device. Separate communication signals may be multiplexed
by the multiple access communication device, and transmitted through the
same or a different telescope optical assembly used to receive
communication signals. Double-pass reflection is used to selectively
polarize signals and to ensure that signals are substantial normal to
optical bandpass filters, to avoid large shifts in the wavelengths
transmitted by the optical bandpass filters. The system is capable of
providing discrete communications with a number of communication
endpoints, regardless of where the communication endpoints are located
within the field of view of the telescope optical assembly.