France uses laser to communicate with satellites from the ground

Testing will begin 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 an optical station on the ground. The test was successful in the summer of 2024 and was also the first time in the world that this had been done, Interesting Engineering The Keraunos satellite overcomes disturbances caused by atmospheric turbulence to achieve optimal transmission quality, the company said on September 24.

Cailabs’ technology played a big role in the experiment, helping to create a ground-based receiver that was reliable and robust enough to be used commercially. Unseenlabs’ nanosatellites were also crucial, allowing for the ability to integrate the laser on a short timeline.

The successful test paves the way for the use of space laser communications on mobile, ground, naval or airborne platforms. France is also aiming to integrate this 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 are increased speed, increased secrecy, and freedom from regulations related to the use of 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 during the experiment. Specifically, they used laser technology to send data at 1.2 gigabits per second, much faster than downloading a movie.

NASA previously demonstrated the power of laser data transmission through the Psyche mission. Experts transmitted video of an orange cat traveling 19 million kilometers via laser link to the Psyche spacecraft.