Bi-directional laser communications system comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver for establishing two optical channels there between. The first transceiver comprises a first transmitter with a pulsed high-power laser source for transmitting a pulsed beacon laser signal into a first of said optical channels. The second transceiver comprises a receiver with an optical antenna for receiving said pulsed beacon laser signal, said second transceiver and/or a receiving optic of said second transceiver being adjustable so that it can be adjusted with respect to said pulsed beacon laser signal. The second transceiver further comprises a second transmitter with a laser for transmitting a high energy laser signal into a second of said optical channels, and means for a separation of said first optical channel and said second optical channel. These means prevent the high energy laser signals from being transmitted into said second optical channel whenever said pulsed beacon laser signal is expected to arrive through said first optical channel.