France uses laser to communicate with satellites from the ground
France has successfully established a stable high-speed laser link between a nanosatellite in low orbit and a commercial optical ground station.
The test began in late 2023 with the launch of the Keraunos satellite by the French Defense Innovation Agency (AID) in collaboration with two French companies Unseenlabs and Cailabs. The goal is to test high-speed communications based on Cailabs’ innovative technologies.
The test involved establishing a stable laser link for several minutes, allowing the movement of a nanosatellite in low orbit to be tracked from a ground-based optical station. The successful test in the summer of 2024 was also the first time this has been done in the world, Interesting Engineering reported on September 24. The Keraunos satellite overcomes disturbances caused by atmospheric turbulence to achieve optimal transmission quality.
Cailabs’ technology played a big role in the test, helping to create a ground-based receiver that is reliable and robust enough to be used commercially. Unseenlabs’ nanosatellites were also crucial, providing the ability to integrate laser equipment in a short time frame.
The successful test paved the way for the use of space laser communications on mobile, ground, naval or airborne platforms. France is also aiming to integrate the technology into future satellite systems of the French Ministry of Defense. According to AID France, the benefits of communicating via optical links instead of radio links include increased speed, increased secrecy, and freedom from regulations regarding the use of the radio spectrum.
Earlier this year, NASA also used a new laser communication system to send photos and videos of pets to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA tested the first end-to-end two-way laser relay system through this test. Specifically, they used laser technology to send data at a speed of 1.2 gigabits per second, much faster than downloading a movie.
Previously, NASA also demonstrated the power of laser data transmission through the Psyche mission. Experts transmitted a video of an orange cat traveling 19 million kilometers via laser link to the Psyche spacecraft.
