ESA, in partnership with Japanese company, Space Compass Corporation, has signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to jointly conduct the feasibility study for Japan’s LAIDEN project and ESA’s High Throughput Optical Network (HydRON) demonstration system.
ESA's innovative HydRON project sits under the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) Strategic Programme Line Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight Strategic Programme Line, and aims to deliver terabit-per-second capacity by integrating space-based optical communications with terrestrial networks.
Led by Space Compass, the LAIDEN project is a national project overseen by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). LAIDEN will work to develop and demonstrate an Inter-satellite low Earth orbit (LEO) Optical Communication Network System. As part of the project, Space Compass has established a project formation with the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), AXELSPACE Corporation and NEC Corporation.
Bringing together two pioneering optical communication initiatives in ESA’s HydRON and Japan’s LAIDEN project, it demonstrates the growing importance and strategic nature of optical technologies, with international cooperation, such as this one, crucial to ensure the role of ESA Member States in the developing market.
Space Compass plans to launch the first commercial geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite and offer optical data relay services with GEO as a part of its in-orbit demonstration. The MoI will focus on creating seamless interoperability between multiple orbital layers, including GEO, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and LEO satellites, as well as ground stations. This multi-layer approach promises to enhance global connectivity and create more resilient communication networks for both space and terrestrial applications.
The partnership will advance through three crucial phases: beginning with a technical feasibility assessment for interoperability testing, followed by the development of comprehensive joint test protocols, and culminating in the execution of integrated system validation.
"This partnership exemplifies ESA's commitment to fostering international collaboration in developing and demonstrating optical communications," said Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. "The showcases how ESA Member States are driving, developing and demonstrating world-class and recognised optical communications technologies to the benefit of our industry and international partners."
“This MoI with ESA represents a crucial step towards realising a truly global optical communication network,” said Koichiro Matsufuji, Co-CEO at Space Compass. “By integrating Japan’s LAIDEN project with ESA’s HydRON system, we are advancing the technical feasibility of high-speed, high-capacity data relay between multiple orbital layers. This partnership also aligns with our vision of a 'Space Integrated Computing Network,' where innovative communication and computing technologies converge to create a more connected and efficient space infrastructure.”
