Thuringian researchers develop laser communication-a real Starlink competition!

Thuringian researchers develop laser communication-a real Starlink competition!

Satellite-based communication is a hot topic and is often associated with the tech mogul Elon Musk and its Starlink system. However, the dependence on a single provider is considered problematic, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions such as the Ukraine conflict. In this context, the European Space Authority ESA has launched the program Scylight to enable European companies and research institutions, own systems and skills in the satellite support To develop communication.

A promising step in this direction comes from researchers from Jena who have developed an innovative laser terminal. This terminal plays a key role in the new system called Scot135 of the German company Tesat. This allows one of the most important factors for successful satellite communication to be manufactured in series in the future and offered inexpensively. Project manager Dr. Henrik von Lukowicz emphasizes the importance of the manufacturing time for large quantities, which is supposed to increase the production capacity.

The advantages of laser communication

Optical communication, especially through laser, could revolutionize the world of satellite communication. The conventional radio frequencies are increasingly reaching its limits-a state that the ESA addresses in its Scylight program. The use of laser technology makes it possible to achieve significantly higher transmission rates and to make data communication more secure. Laser communication enables a "Beaconless Acquisition", which means that it does not depend on overcrowded low orbits. This leads to lighter and energy -saving terminals with better accuracy.

Optical links are less susceptible to disorders or listening attempts, which makes it preferred to the saturated radio frequencies. At the same time, you can transmit many times in data, which is indispensable for future services in the age of big data.

production in Thuringia

The manufacture of the laser termal mentioned takes place in Thuringia near Spaceoptix, a spin-off of the Fraunhofer IOF . This medium -sized company specializes in the development and manufacture of metalloptic mirrors and systems, with applications in space travel, semiconductor technology and industry. In the coming years, the production capacity is to be increased to up to 50 systems per year in order to meet the increasing demand. Five systems have already been manufactured at the moment.

The System Scot135 from Tesat, to which components the laser termal belongs, can realize bandwidths of sensational 100 GBIT/s over distances of up to 80,000 km. This paves the way for a new era of satellite communication, which is not only more efficient, but also safer. According to Tesat, another key player in the satellite communication industry, more than half of all communication satellites in space are equipped with their equipment, which underlines the importance of this sector.

European research thus makes an active contribution to independence and efficiency in satellite communication. These developments could decisively influence the race for the best technologies in space.