Sony Orders 2 Satellites to Test Laser Communications
Sony has taken a major step in advancing space-based communication technology by collaborating with California-based satellite producer Astro Digital. The partnership intends to test laser communications with optical disc technology, a landmark of Sony’s innovation origin dating back to its CD player development. This venture highlights the Japanese conglomerate’s aim to reshape data transmission in space. The collaboration will see the establishment of two small satellites according to Astro Digital’s Corvus satellite platform. As noted by the joint announcement on November 12 2024, the spacecraft are scheduled to launch in 2026. Every satellite will be equipped with a Lasercom optical terminal created by SSCC (Sony Space Communications Corporation), Sony’s Californian subsidiary created in 2022 (Rainbow, 2024). SSCC was established to commercialize laser communication technology after successful tests between the ISS (International Space Station) and a ground station in Japan (Rainbow, 2024).
The Goal of the Initiative
The main aim of this initiative is to validate high-speed optical data links between the ground stations and satellites and between the satellites themselves in LEO (low Earth orbit). This can pave the way for more scalable and effective communications infrastructure in space. Kyohei Iwamoto, the president of SSCC, stressed the unique benefits of the technology. According to him, “We intend to display a lightweight, compact terminal that consumes less power compared to old/existing devices. This will help even smaller satellites to integrate high-speed laser communications, thereby minimizing dependence on conventional radio waves” (Rainbow, 2024). Though Astro Digital’s experience and expertise involves producing satellites as little as 10 kilograms, Iwamoto clarified that the demonstration spacecraft would be at minimum 50 kilograms each. This size houses the cutting-edge Lasercom terminals while ensuring optimal performance in the tests. Also, Iwamoto revealed that SSCC has secured customers for the Lasercom terminals, though he did not offer specific details. This shows rising market interest in laser communication solutions/systems as an alternative to traditional radio-based systems.
In the meantime, the satellite communication sector has seen growing demand for laser technology because of its ability to handle high-speed data transfers without depending on the finite radio spectrum. The rise in LEO satellite deployments has strained the old/existing radio frequency infrastructure and prompted firms to examine laser communication as a good solution. However, Sony is not alone in this adventure. Firms like Mynaric and SpaceX are equally racing to capitalize on this rising market. For instance, SpaceX has seen great demand for laser communications from the American Space Development Agency. Mynaric has witnessed issues scaling up manufacturing of its laser terminals to meet demand. In August 2024, Mynaric’s CEO Mustafa Veziroglu resigned as the firm grappled with manufacturer challenges/difficulties. Generally, Sony’s initiative indicates a new chapter in the evolution of space-based communications (Rainbow, 2024). By leveraging its experience in optical disc technology and partnering with innovative partners such as Astro Digital, Sony seeks to offer groundbreaking solutions for the expanding satellite sector.
Reference
Rainbow, J. (2024). Sony orders two satellites to test laser communications. SpaceNews. Available at- https://spacenews.com/sony-orders-two-satellites-to-test-laser-communications/
(Assessed: 18 Nov 2024)
