Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo have signed a memorandum of understanding to demonstrate an in-flight optical communications link between a reentry spacecraft and an orbiting satellite. The companies say this would be the first of its kind. The demonstration is planned for 2027.
Astrolight’s ATLAS X laser communication terminals are set to fly on both ATMOS’ PHOENIX reentry vehicle and the satellite used for the test. Together they will demonstrate a spacecraft to satellite optical link, enabling real-time transfer of system and mission data throughout in orbit operations and into reentry, a phase where conventional radio frequency telemetry typically degrades. The link is expected to support data rates up to 2.5 Gbps.
@Laurynas Mačiulis, CEO of Astrolight, said testing a laser link between PHOENIX and an orbiting satellite could mark an important first for reentry communications. He noted this capability has so far only been explored in ground-based laboratory conditions, and that Astrolight’s ambition is to bring it into space with its German partner.
“Our goal is to help reentry vehicles connect directly with satellites and, in the future, satellite constellations, so operators can access as much data as possible in real time and make missions more controlled and scalable,” Mačiulis said.
Sebastian Klaus, CEO of ATMOS Space Cargo, said that as cargo return missions become increasingly autonomous and data intensive, there is a growing need for real time connectivity across the full mission cycle.
Laser communication is popular as a narrow, focused laser beam can transmit data at rates up to 100 times higher than traditional radio frequency communications, while being significantly more difficult to jam, intercept, or detect.
One aim of the demonstration is to access re-entry mission data before vehicle recovery, closing a longstanding gap in cargo return operations. This European New Space partnership brings together a Lithuanian laser communications company and a German reentry vehicle developer to build sovereign capability. If the 2027 demonstration succeeds, the real test will be repeatability. Consistent performance across multiple missions is what proves the solution is ready for operational use.
Image Credit: ATMOS Space Cargo – Illustration of an optical link between a satellite and ATMOS Space Cargo’s reentry vehicle.
Astrolight, ATMOS Space Cargo eye first in-flight laser link between reentry vehicle, satellite