Ibadan, 28 May 2024. – Astrolight, a Lithuania-based Company, is offering laser communication innovations as an alternative to SpaceX’s traditional radio frequency methods. With the EO sector set to triple its revenue to $9 billion annually by 2035 according to The WEF and McKinsey space insights report, the Lithuanian Company is advocating for laser communication as an alternative means to send data to Earth and emphasizing optical tech’s impact in EO.
SpaceX is entering the field by expanding its Starlink network’s capabilities, offering satellite lasers to other satellite operators to enhance in-space communication. Furthermore, by utilizing inter-satellite laser links, Starlink satellites can transmit data efficiently at the speed of light in low-Earth orbit. Through initiatives like “Plug and Plaser,” SpaceX also facilitates the integration of laser communication technology into satellite constellations. However, Starlink’s space-to-Earth links still rely on RF communication, limiting total data throughput.
David Gauthier, Chief Strategy Officer of GXO, Inc. explains that, “With so many companies collecting Earth Observation data, the bottleneck will shift from what was a lack of collection capacity to a lack of available communications bandwidth; especially for applications where low latency is important. Even with laser mesh communications networks in space, there will always be a need for more network nodes and additional ways to bring that information down to Earth.”
“Astrolight offers an alternative solution that distinguishes it from SpaceX. By enabling satellites to directly connect with Earth stations through laser links, it minimizes reliance on satellite infrastructure, offering a cost-effective alternative for data transmission. Our technology also has a compact design, making it easier for integration into small satellites where space and weight limitations are critical considerations,” explained Laurynas Mačiulis, CEO of Astrolight.
