First Tests of the KERAUNOS Optical Communication Satellite Conducted
First Tests of the KERAUNOS Optical Communication Satellite Conducted
Laser Link Between an LEO Nano-Satellite and Optical Ground Station Established
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces over the summer achieved a world first by establishing a stable laser link between a low-orbit nano-satellite and an optical ground station. This experiment was initiated at the end of 2023 by the Defense Innovation Agency (AID) with the launch of the KERAUNOS satellite with a goal of testing high-speed communication based on innovative technologies from the company Cailabs.
"The KERAUNOS experiment is a success that is part of the 'Optical Communication' technological roadmap of the Defense Innovation Agency's 'New Space' priority theme initiated in 2021."
Jean-Michel Parlier, AID
The AID provided 5.5 million Euros (≈$6.16 million) in financing for the project. The experiment is the result of a collaboration between the AID and two French New Space companies, Unseenlabs and Cailabs. It consisted of establishing a stable laser link over several minutes, thus making it possible to follow the movement of a nano-satellite in low orbit from an optical ground station.
The advantages of the optical link, compared to the radio link usually used, are the speed, discretion and independence from the regulations for coordinating the use of the radio spectrum. The KERAUNOS satellite is also able to circumvent occasional atmospheric turbulence in order to obtain optimal transmission quality.
KERAUNOS combines the know-how of the Rennes-based companies Unseenlabs and Cailabs:
Cailabs' technology and photonics expertise make it possible to create a ground receiver that bypasses these constraints while being reliable and robust enough to be offered commercially.
The modern and agile architecture of Unseenlabs' nano-satellites offers the possibility of integrating the laser payload in very short deadlines imposed by the New Space tempo. This laser allows data to be sent to the ground, to the Cailabs station.
This successful demonstration proves the viability of space-based laser communications on mobile, land, naval or air platforms and could be integrated into the future satellite systems of the Ministry of the Armed Forces. The KERAUNOS project contributes to the objectives of the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law, which provides for the strengthening of France's action in space.
"The KERAUNOS experiment is a success that is part of the 'Optical Communication' technological roadmap of the Defense Innovation Agency's 'New Space' priority theme initiated in 2021," said Jean-Michel Parlier, Head of Space Innovation at the AID. "This success is the result of the investment and exceptional know-how of Unseenlabs and Cailabs."
"This success reflects Unseenlabs' ability to quickly deliver a complex, fully functional system into orbit," said Jonathan Galic, CTO and co-founder of Unseenlabs. "The combination of the performance of Unseenlabs' system and satellite architectures with Cailabs' optical innovations paves the way for faster and more secure communications."