Sony Space Communications Corporation (SSCC) and Astro Digital US, Inc. (Astro Digital) announced that they have signed a contract for the design, manufacture, and launch of two micro-satellites. These satellites will each carry an SSCC optical terminal and showcase SSCC's optical communications technology by establishing high-data-rate Lasercom links with each other and with terminals on Earth. They are expected to be launched in 2026.

Sony started developing its space optical communication technology under the Small Optical Link for the International Space Station (SOLISS) mission. SOLISS was a joint project of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/Sony that was first successfully operated in orbit in March 2020, before SSCC was established.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Astro Digital on this important project," said Kyohei Iwamoto, President, of SSCC. "As space exploration and travel continue to expand, the need for efficient and reliable communication becomes paramount. We firmly believe that lasers, with their compact size, increased speed, ability to transmit large amounts of data, and inherent high security (relative to radio frequency systems), will become the industry standard for communication in space. This collaboration with Astro Digital further solidifies SSCC's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space communication."

"Sony's technology is poised to make a significant impact on the commercial space industry," Chris Biddy, CEO of Astro Digital, noted in a statement. "Astro Digital is looking forward to leveraging the flight-proven Corvus satellite bus platform to host and demonstrate the operation of Sony's highly-capable Lasercom terminal on-orbit."

SSCC's Lasercom terminals are at the forefront of innovation. Leveraging Sony's Blu-ray technology for laser alignment, these terminals offer state-of-the-art performance and reliability. Furthermore, they have been optimized for small satellites, ensuring a low-cost solution without compromising efficiency.

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