Broadcast Media Africa has learnt that Sony Space Communications Corporation (SSCC) and Astro Digital US, Inc. (Astro Digital) have signed a contract to design, manufacture, and launch two micro-satellites.
Each satellite will carry an SSCC optical terminal and showcase SSCC’s optical communications technology by establishing high-data-rate Lasercom links with each other. Expected to be launched in 2026, the satellites will also connect with other terminals on Earth.
Commenting on the venture, Kyohei Iwamoto, President of SSCC, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Astro Digital on this important project. As space exploration and travel continue to expand, the need for efficient and reliable communication becomes paramount. We firmly believe that lasers, with their compact size, increased speed, ability to transmit large amounts of data, and inherent high security (relative to radio frequency systems), will become the industry standard for communication in space. This collaboration with Astro Digital further solidifies SSCC’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space communication.”
“Sony’s technology is poised to make a significant impact on the commercial space industry,” noted Chris Biddy, CEO of Astro Digital. “Astro Digital is looking forward to leveraging the flight-proven Corvus satellite bus platform to host and demonstrate the operation of Sony’s highly-capable Lasercom terminal on-orbit.”
SSCC’s Lasercom terminals are at the forefront of innovation. Leveraging Sony’s Blu-ray technology for laser alignment, these terminals offer state-of-the-art performance and reliability. Furthermore, they have been optimised for small satellites, ensuring a low-cost solution without compromising efficiency.
