laser that they say will allow satellites to communicate over long distances at significantly faster speeds than similar technology currently available.
In contrast, Japan’s JDRS-1 laser satellite – launched in 2020 to relay data between spy satellites – can reach up to 1.8 gigabits per second, while the US military’s Next Generation Space Architecture plans to achieve a global network of laser satellites with a bandwidth of from 250 megabits per second to one gigabit by 2028.
“The inter-satellite laser communication terminal has the advantages of small size, high communication rate and strong confidentiality” with anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities, according to the paper. To maintain stable communication, the laser beams produced by two fast-moving satellites must remain locked on each other. The smallest disturbance – even the rippling of a solar panel – can cause an enormous miss over thousands of kilometres.
To reduce the size and cost of their device, Yang and his team ditched the beaconing laser. Instead, they developed a signal transmission laser able to take aim at different parts of the sky to quickly find and establish connections with other satellites. Using a home-built 3D printer, the engineers also manufactured a sophisticated, sturdy body frame for the device to further reduce overall weight and size.