Communications

Astrolight and Aristotle University to boost Europe’s space connectivity with new optical ground station in Greece

Astrolight, a space and defense company developing laser communication solutions across space, ground, and maritime domains, completed the commissioning of the Holomondas Optical Ground Station (OGS) in Greece this March.

The station will support Greek In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) missions, now underway, with high-throughput, secure optical data transmissions from the satellites in orbit to the Holomondas OGS on Earth.

The OGS was developed as part of the PeakSat project, led by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and jointly supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance. [Read more…] about Astrolight and Aristotle University to boost Europe’s space connectivity with new optical ground station in Greece

Iridium to acquire Aireon, advancing its strategy to ‘lead the future of aviation safety’

Iridium Communications, one of the world’s leading providers of global voice, data, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite services, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aireon, operator of the world’s only space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) air traffic surveillance system.

The acquisition of Aireon is a defining step in Iridium’s strategy to provide the foundational architecture for global aviation safety, bringing space-based surveillance, safety communications, PNT, and operational data together on a single network.

“Aireon has always been part of Iridium’s aviation safety strategy. We founded it in partnership with the world’s leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), because we believed space-based aviation safety was a generational opportunity,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. [Read more…] about Iridium to acquire Aireon, advancing its strategy to ‘lead the future of aviation safety’

CNES takes stake in Skynopy to accelerate global satellite ground station network and Ka-band deployment

Skynopy, a provider of ground station services and satellite connectivity solutions, and the French Space Agency (CNES), have signed a partnership agreement aimed at optimizing frequency allocation for the ground stations operated by Skynopy in France.

This partnership builds on a trusted relationship established since Skynopy’s inception: from its earliest days, the startup has benefited from CNES support – first as a technical and institutional partner, and later as a shareholder through the SpaceFounders program.

A compelling example of collaboration between a national space agency and a fast-growing “NewSpace” player. [Read more…] about CNES takes stake in Skynopy to accelerate global satellite ground station network and Ka-band deployment

Fraunhofer invents new technology to transmit data via light instead of cable or radio waves

Fraunhofer IPMS is introducing a new technology called Li-Fi Grathus, which “transmits data via light instead of cable or radio waves”. The system delivers gigabit-speed performance and can send and receive data simultaneously.

It operates reliably and with near-zero latency, even in environments where traditional wireless systems reach their limits. Thus, Li-Fi Grathus enables flexible, reliable, and truly real-time industrial communication.

Modern industrial facilities require machines, sensors, and control systems to communicate with one another fast and reliably. Traditional wired connections are often inflexible, and wireless solutions are susceptible to interference. [Read more…] about Fraunhofer invents new technology to transmit data via light instead of cable or radio waves