SES reports it has demonstrated bi-directional optical communications link between ground and space with its meoSphere pathfinder onboard the K2 Space Gravitas satellite.
During the mission, SES sent video messages on an optical link between Cailabs‘ optical ground station in Rennes, France and SES payload on the K2 Gravitas satellite, using a Mynaric Condor optical terminal.
SES stated that it designed, developed, and operated the optical mission and developed automation software that enabled the demonstration, while Thales Alenia Space supported system assembly, integration, testing, and operations.
SES plans to continue the mission testing to extend link duration, and push link speed and performance.
“This Pathfinder 1 achievement validates our vertically integrated, iterative approach to developing next-generation space capabilities,” said Carmel Ortiz, senior vice president, MEO Programs at SES. “Together with our partners, we have successfully and repeatedly transferred data between space and the ground, demonstrating the performance of optical communications in an operational environment.”
SES is one of K2 Space’s customers on the Gravitas mission, based on its Mega-class satellite platform. Gravitas launched in March of this year, with multiple SES payloads onboard. SES announced a deal with K2 Space in mid-2025 to collaborate on its future Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) network and fly multiple pathfinder missions.
