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3 clusters · 9 sources · 7 days · First seen · Last updated

Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo optical link demonstration

Overview

Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo have entered a memorandum of understanding to conduct a demonstration in 2027. The mission aims to establish the first planned in-flight optical communications link between an orbiting satellite and a re-entry spacecraft.

The project will utilize Astrolight’s ATLAS-X laser communication terminals on the ATMOS PHOENIX re-entry vehicle and a test satellite. This technology is intended to overcome the limitations of conventional radio-frequency telemetry, which can be degraded by the extreme thermal and plasma environments encountered during atmospheric re-entry.

By providing real-time data transmission at rates up to 2.5 Gbps, the optical link could offer continuous monitoring of vehicle health, guidance, and payload status. Such advancements are expected to support high-speed connectivity for autonomous cargo-return operations, including the return of scientific samples, critical hardware, and in-orbit manufactured products. Recent reports confirm the partnership aims to demonstrate real-time transmission of system and payload information during the atmospheric reentry phase of vehicles such as the PHOENIX 2.

Entities

Astrolight · ATMOS Space Cargo · Microchip Technology · Phoenix · ATLAS-X

Timeline

  1. 2 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Space technology advancements in atomic clocks and laser communications

    Microchip Technology introduces a radiation-hardened atomic clock for small satellites, while Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo partner to demonstrate the first laser link between a satellite and a re-entering's

  2. 6 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo to test laser links during spacecraft re-entry

    Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo plan a 2027 demonstration of the first in-flight laser communication link between a re-entry spacecraft and an orbiting satellite to overcome radio-frequency degradation.

  3. 9 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo to test first re-entry optical link

    Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo plan to demonstrate the first in-flight laser communication link between a re-entry vehicle and a satellite in 2027, enabling real-time data transfer at 2.5 Gbps.

Sources

biotechdaily.com · conowego.pl · digitaljournal.com · ebiten.jp · eejournal.com · electronicsmedia.info · elektronikpraxis.de · milmag.pl · newspaceeconomy.ca

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history