optical communications
DoD to test laser communications terminals in low Earth orbit
The Space Development Agency says optical inter-satellite links are "one of the most critical technologies to be demonstrated."
Space Micro wins $3 million for laser communications terminal
The U.S. Space and Missile Systems Center awarded satellite component supplier Space Micro a $3 million contract for a laser communications terminal designed to transmit data at a rate of 100 gigabits per second.
French photonics startup Cailabs raises $8.8 million
Cailabs, a Rennes, France-based company founded in 2013, says it has developed a technology that controls the shape of light within optical fibers, enabling a thousandfold increase in data speeds.
Xenesis to test optical terminal on Bartolomeo platform
Xenesis, a laser communications startup, plans to conduct a space-based demonstration of its Xen-Hub Optical Communications terminal in 2021 on Bartolomeo, the Airbus Defense and Space external research platform on the International Space Station.
Xenesis inks optical transceiver distribution deal
Xenesis, a Chicago laser communications startup, announced an agreement Sept. 3 with Hartwell Capitol Consulting of Woodbridge, Virginia, to sell optical transceivers in key markets.
Are laser links ready for prime time?
Although NASA’s Mars Laser Communications Demonstration never flew, the project proceeded far enough to establish a price for terminals to relay data for the Mars Telecommunications Orbiter: $90 million.
Honeywell to open technology incubator
Honeywell Aerospace is preparing to formally open its Space Division Greenhouse, an incubator focused on slashing the cost and time required to produce optical intersatellite links and other spacecraft components.
KSAT and Tesat-Spacecom sign laser communications pact
Kongsberg Satellite Services and Tesat-Spacecom signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on optical communications technology.
