Sony Space Communications Corporation and Astro Digital Announce Agreement to Design, Manufacture and Launch Two Satellites | PR Newswire [Video]

, /PRNewswire/ — Sony Space Communications Corporation (SSCC) and Astro Digital US, Inc. (Astro Digital) today 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 will showcase SSCC’s optical communications technology by establishing high data-rate Lasercom links with each other, as well as with terminals on the Earth. These satellites 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 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/Sony joint project that was first successfully operated on orbit in March 2020, prior to the establishment of SSCC.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Astro Digital on this important project,” said Kyohei Iwamoto, President, 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, …