Demonstration of space development agency-compatible space-to-ground bi-directional optical links
SPIE LASE 2026
Section :
Aerospace and Defense
Publication date:
2026
Authors: H. Lehec, M. Rabault, C. Jacquard, M. Meunier, L. Paillier, M. Raoul, P. Jannin, B. Dubost Vedrenne, R. Mahe, P. Jian, O. Pinel, G. Labroille, R. Aucoin, S. Lau, T. Polder, F. Helde, A. Brzoska
Abstract
We report the demonstration of Space Development Agency-compatible space-to-ground bi-directional optical communication between a Kepler Communications satellite and a Cailabs optical ground station. This test used Tesat’s SCOT80 laser terminal and Cailabs’ turbulence mitigation technologies to achieve robust high-speed data transmission in real-world conditions. The successful demonstration validates the potential of space-to-ground free-space optical links in SDA standard.