Odysseus Space is developing satellite and ground laser terminals to offer an end-to-end laser communication solution called CYCLOPS. Photo: Odysseus Space

Leaf Space is partnering with Odysseus Space to develop a hybrid ground station network for both optical and radio frequency (RF) communications.

Odysseus Space is working to develop an end-to-end free space optical communications solution called CYCLOPS. The companies said in a Tuesday announcement they will work to apply this technology to Leaf Space’s global Leaf Line Ground Segment as a Service (GSaaS) network. 

Leaf Space and Odysseus Space will work to complete the hybrid-enabled ground station by early 2024, which they claim will be the first of its kind. This hybrid network will decrease latency for communication between in-space assets to Earth through optical Direct-to-Earth links, the companies said. 

“The market is showing a growing desire for optical communications options as they offer tremendous benefits for satellite operators like higher data rates and in space communications for larger constellations, but it’s still important for operators to have RF options. Particularly when optical solutions are prevented by things like weather or aren’t required for certain use cases or operational modes,” said Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Leaf Space. 

This project is supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and funded by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), which awarded Odysseus Space a contract to support optical communication infrastructure development.