Photo: Swedish Space Corporation

Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) has signed a deal to work on space-to-ground optical communications with Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands. Optical communication between ground stations and satellites in orbit enables broadband connectivity via space, providing a solution for the growing demand for data.

The companies on Thursday announced an MoU to collaborate on ground equipment for space-to-ground optical communication. The agreement will accelerate the development of commercially viable optical ground stations that will be offered by Airbus DS NL and used by SSC in delivering ground network services.

One of the collaborative activities in developing this capability includes optical communication tests against the CubeLCT optical terminal on the Photo Images Cross Laser (PIXL-1) mission, organized in close cooperation with project partner TESAT. PIXL-1 is set for launch on the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter-1 mission set for Jan. 22.

“Airbus Netherlands will be an important partner as SSC continues to add optical communication solutions to our global network of ground stations. Their modern infrastructure and industry-leading knowledge will be a vital contribution to our service offering”, said Stefan Gardefjord, CEO at SSC.