Seeking advanced in-flight laser communications in space, two companies specializing in optical communications and space-travel planning have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly demonstrate an in-flight optical communications link. The link is between a reentry spacecraft and an orbiting low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.

The partners are European company ATMOS Space Cargo and Lithuanian space/defense firm Astrolight. They expect to perform the demonstration during 2027, which, if successful, will be the first real-time optical communications link between a reentry spacecraft and an orbiting satellite.

To execute the link, Astrolight’s ATLAS-X laser communication terminals are expected to be on board both the ATMOS PHOENIX reentry vehicle and the LEO satellite transferring flight system and mission data at rates to 2.5 Gb/s (see image above). Such communications can serve numerous applications, including defense, disaster responses, and surveillance, and replace conventional RF/microwave links with performance that degrades during atmospheric reentry.

Real-time optical downlink systems are integrated into the PHOENIX vehicles to provide continuous data communications throughout a vehicle’s reentry phase for reporting on details such as vehicle health, guidance, and de-orbit performance. Data communications based on laser links are much more difficult to detect, intercept, or jam than communications based on RF/microwave electromagnetic (EM) signals. 

Laurynas Mačiulis, CEO of Astrolight, said, “Testing a laser link between PHOENIX and an orbiting satellite will mark an important first for reentry communications. Until now, this capability has only been explored in ground-based laboratory conditions. Together with ATMOS Space Cargo, we are bringing it into space.”

Regarding the mission, he added, “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.”

His counterpart at ATMOS Space Cargo, CEO Sebastian Klaus, noted, “Our partnership with Astrolight is a step toward integrating laser communication into PHOENIX as a strategic layer for payload monitoring, autonomous de-orbit, and reentry operations.”