A Japanese collaboration is poised to demonstrate optical wireless communication between space and the stratosphere for the first time. Behind the endeavor are the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) and three industry partners.
The four parties will collaborate on the development of optical wireless communication devices and their high-altitude applications. Both satellites and stratospheric communication platforms will be equipped with the devices.
The first step is planned to involve the launch of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite in 2026 to verify optical wireless communication between space and the ground. And in 2027, the parties aim to conduct a world-pioneering demonstration of bi-directional optical wireless communication between space and the stratosphere.
Next-generation technology
In recent years, optical wireless communications have attracted attention as a next-generation high-speed communication technology to support non-terrestrial networks such as satellite communications and High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) in the stratosphere.
Unlike radio waves, optical wireless communication is carried by light, eliminating the need for frequency allocation and wireless licenses, while offering high-speed connectivity. However, since optical communication relies on ultra-narrow, highly directional beams, establishing and maintaining stable communication is extremely challenging.
In the 2027 demonstration, the parties will attempt bi-directional optical wireless communication between a HAPS stationed in the stratosphere and a LEO satellite orbiting the Earth at high speed, covering up to approximately 2,000 km of distance – an ambitious and technically demanding undertaking.
Multiple applications ahead
The possible applications of optical wireless space-space and space-stratosphere communications are manyfold. For instance, the technology is expected to contribute to the immediate relay of Earth observation data, connectivity in underserved areas, rapid restoration of communications in disaster situations, and low-latency intercontinental backbones, thereby enabling fast, largescale and flexible network deployments.
Besides NICT, the consortium partners are Kiyohara Optics, ArkEdge Space, and SoftBank.
The optical wireless communication device under development is designed to be compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient, while enabling bi-directional communication at 10 Gbps (Giga-bits-per-second). Enhancements are being made to ensure reliable operation in extreme environments, including radiation exposure in space, and temperatures below -90˚C in the stratosphere.
Source: “NICT, KIYOHARA OPTICS, ArkEdge Space and SoftBank Corp. enter collaborative agreement to demonstrate optical wireless communications between space and the stratosphere”, Topics, NICT, KIYOHARA OPTICS, ArkEdge Space and SoftBank Corp.
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