Europe tests laser links as satellite comms outgrow radio
Europe is advancing its satellite communications capabilities by testing laser links from a new ground station in Greece. The Holomondas Optical Ground Station aims to enhance data transmission between satellites and Earth using infrared beams instead of traditional radio systems. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the increasing demand for secure and high-capacity satellite communications.
- ▪Astrolight has commissioned a new optical ground station in Greece to support ESA-backed CubeSat missions.
- ▪The station uses an 808-nanometer laser beacon and can receive data at speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps.
- ▪Optical links are considered more secure and capable of higher throughput compared to traditional RF systems.
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