The scope of ICSOS covers technologies, procedures and algorithms that relate to free-space optical systems, with emphasis on laser communications. The domain of the applications includes terrestrial, near-Earth and deep space (planetary). Areas of interest include components, subsystems, systems (flight and ground), devices, applications, laboratory and field demonstrations, algorithms, link models, signaling techniques and concept of operations.

ICSOS2012 will be co-organized with International Conference on Space Optics (ICSO). ICSOS/ICSO joint session(s) on optical communications will be also held.