Spire establishes two-way optical link between satellites in orbit
Spire Global has established a two-way optical link between two satellites in orbit, marking a significant advancement in satellite communication technology. This milestone paves the way for faster, reliable and secure data transmissions for future space missions.
The satellites, which were launched in June 2023, are equipped with Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) payloads. These advanced systems use laser technology to transfer data between satellites almost instantaneously, even when they are up to 5,000 km apart. This innovation has the potential to transform applications such as weather forecasting, global communications, and remote sensing by enhancing data speeds, improving security and reducing transmission delays.
John E. Ward, Senior Director of Research & Development at Spire, said: 'Precisely pointing two satellites, across distances equivalent of New York to London, and establishing an inter-satellite optical link is a significant milestone for Spire. This achievement places us among a select group of organizations capable of developing and deploying this advanced technology and overcoming the complexities of aligning satellites separated by thousands of kilometers in Low Earth Orbit. Integrating this technology into our future fleet will enhance resilience, improve security, and reduce latency for critical applications.'
Thomas Carroll, Applied Optics Team Lead at Spire, added: 'We have shrunk what is typically a large optical systemthe size of a microwavedown to the size of a tissue box. Our OISL payload is the smallest on the market, allowing us to deploy this technology on our small satellites while delivering performance previously achievable only with much larger systems. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance our data and Space Services solutions, especially for applications that require continuous coverage with fast and secure data relay.'
The development of the OISL technology was supported by a European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Services (ARTES) Pioneer Partnership Project, within ESAs Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate, with funding from the UK Space Agency (UKSA).
Clive Edwards, ESA Pioneer Implementation Manager, stated: 'Through our ARTES Pioneer Partnership Project, we have supported Spire in the development of a new OISL capability for their space data service network. This OISL system is set to transform satellite communications, offering enhanced security and efficiency for space-based data transmission.'
Following the successful demonstration, Spire will launch three additional LEMUR satellites with OISL technology in 2025, two of which are set to launch via Exolaunch on the Transporter-13 rideshare mission with SpaceX.
During the mission, Spire will also launch four additional LEMUR satellites to replenish its fully deployed constellation and enable missions for its Space Services customers. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 2025.
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