# Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo optical link demonstration

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/astrolight-and-atmos-space-cargo-optical-link-demonstration
> Updated: 2026-08-17T07:46:58.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/space-technology-advancements-in-atomic-clocks-and-laser-communications

### 2026-08-13: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/astrolight-and-atmos-space-cargo-to-test-laser-links-during-spacecraft-re-entry

### 2026-08-10: 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.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/astrolight-and-atmos-space-cargo-to-test-first-re-entry-optical-link

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Cite as: Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo optical link demonstration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/astrolight-and-atmos-space-cargo-optical-link-demonstration