Satellite communication

Satellites transmit information to earth via laser signals. With over 30 researchers we work on this technology.

Laser satellite communication

There is a growing demand for more data, due to, among other things, the advent of self-driving cars, social media with more videos, and the ‘Internet of Things’. The existing connections cannot meet that demand. Laser satellite communication offers a solution.

Our latest developments

7 resultaten, getoond 1 t/m 5

Norwegian satellite with SmallCAT laser communication system aboard, successfully launched

Informatietype:
News
15 April 2023

Norway's NorSat Technology Demonstrator has been successfully launched by the Norwegian Space Agency from SpaceX in California. The NorSat-TD satellite carries several payloads, including the SmallCAT laser communication system, which was developed by TNO-led consortium to enhance data transmission capabilities of small satellites using direct-to-earth laser communication. SmallCAT will be tested in orbit over the next few months by connecting with the optical ground station at a TNO location in The Hague.

TNO-led Dutch consortium to develop HemiCAT laser communication terminal

Informatietype:
News
22 March 2023

TNO will begin developing a laser communication terminal with a consortium of Dutch partners. This high-efficiency miniature demonstrator called HemiCAT will increase data transmission capabilities of small satellites via direct to earth laser communication.

FSO Instruments introduces laser satellite communications to the market

Informatietype:
News
14 March 2023

The Dutch technology developers and producers, Demcon and VDL Groep, are combining their laser satellite communication activities in FSO instruments. This is the first laser satellite communication technology company to be founded in the Netherlands and builds onto the groundbreaking technology developed by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) in cooperation with companies, including Demcon and VDL.

MilSpace2: Spectrum monitoring dual satellite system

Informatietype:
News
2 December 2022

The MilSpace2 satellite system will demonstrate the military use of a microsatellite spectrum monitoring system.

SmallCAT laser communication system delivered for integration to Norwegian NORSAT-TD Spacecraft

Informatietype:
News
26 September 2022

The SmallCAT uses new optical communication technology that uses satellites to send information to Earth. This happens via invisible light signals and enables much faster data transfers than using the radio frequencies currently employed for communication everywhere.