Laser Communication

Laser communication in space
Credit:

Mynaric

The ability to capture high-resolution images of our planet using satellites has become increasingly important in recent years. However, conventional technologies in the radio wave range are reaching their limits when it comes to ensuring fast transmission of these images. Optical communication systems represent a feasible alternative and exceed the data rates multiple times. The technology used by DLR is based on infrared lasers to send data from a satellite to an optical ground station (downlink) or to exchange data between satellites (inter-satellite communication).

The systems developed for this purpose are called laser communication terminals (LCTs). They can be made lighter and more compact and are also more secure against eavesdropping than traditional systems.

The Resonsive Space Cluster Competence Center works therefore closely together with the Institute of Communications and Navigation in Oberpfaffenhofen.

Participating institutes

The Institute of Communications and Navigation

DLR's Institute of Communications and Navigation is dedicated to mission-oriented research in selected areas of communications and navigation. Its work ranges from the theoretical fundamentals to the demonstration of new technologies and systems in real-world environments and is embedded in DLR's Space, Aeronautics, Transport, Security and Digitalisation programs.