France’s Defense Innovation Agency (AID) and local company Cailabs said they have successfully used lasers to communicate between a low-orbit nano-satellite and a commercial ground station, hailing the test as a world first.
Initiated at the end of 2023 with the launch of the Keraunos satellite, the project aims to overcome disruptions caused by atmospheric turbulence, ensuring high-quality transmissions.
Another key advantage is faster data transmission, allowing satellites to send larger amounts of data more quickly, both between each other and to ground stations.
According to NASA, optical communication such as with lasers could transmit up to 100 times more data to Earth than current radio frequency systems.
Future Use
Governments and institutions around the world are increasingly looking to satellite laser communications to strengthen their systems and operations.
AID said the technology allows for the use of space laser communications on mobile, land, naval, and air platforms. It could also be integrated into future satellite systems of the country’s defense ministry.
Jean-François Morizur, CEO and co-founder of Cailabs, said the successful test confirms the ability of “New Space companies” to quickly and effectively develop ambitious systems in the service of the military.
France’s Keraunos project, which also involved the French startup Unseenlabs, received 5.5 million euros ($6.1 million) in funding.