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Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo optical link demonstration

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2026-08-13 21:32 UTC → 2026-08-17 09:08 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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