FSO Instruments develops and manufactures optical systems required for laser satellite communications in ground stations and satellites. We use our expertise to make advanced laser communication technology practical and widely available with a strong focus on performance, reliability and adaptability.
Direct To Earth
Direct-to-Earth (DTE) aser satellite communication allows optical transmission of data between satellites in orbit and ground stations. This technology enables higher data transmission rates and more efficient data transfer. Laser communication offers a more direct, focused beam, and does not require a license.
This system can be particularly useful for Earth observation. The development of this technology promises to revolutionize how we transmit data from space to Earth, supporting higher-capacity communication for scientific, military, and commercial applications.
Data offloading
Optical data offloading between satellites enables the efficient transfer of information across long distances without the need for ground stations. Satellites that generate data, e.g. from Earth Observation, can use the technology to optically connect to any satellite constellation, allowing to relay the data to a ground station of choice, even is the satellite is out of direct range.
Optical data relay offers several benefits, including higher data rates (often in the gigabit-per-second range), lower latency, and greater security due to the narrow, focused beams that are harder to intercept. This technology is especially valuable for missions requiring large data transfers, such as space-based internet services, deep-space exploration, and real-time Earth observation.
OISL
An Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) is a communication system that enables data transfer between satellites using laser beams rather than traditional radio frequency signals. OISLs form a the backbone part of satellite networks, such as satellite constellations used for global internet coverage, Earth observation, or scientific missions. By utilizing optical (laser) technology, OISLs offer several advantages over RF-based systems, including higher data transfer rates, reduced signal interference, and a smaller, more focused communication beam, allowing for longer-distance links between satellites.
In an OISL system, laser beams transmit data between satellites at speeds that can reach tens to hundreds of gigabits per second. This system operates in the vacuum of space, allowing for clear and reliable communication. The focused nature of laser beams also ensures greater energy efficiency and security since the narrow beams make it harder for eavesdropping or interference.
OISLs are essential for satellite constellations for global broadband networking, as they create a seamless space-based data network. This technology is revolutionizing satellite communication by providing faster, more secure, and efficient inter-satellite connectivity.
Airborne
Airborne optical data communication refers to the use of laser-based communication systems for transmitting data between aircraft, drones, and ground stations or satellites. Instead of relying on traditional radio frequencies, this method uses highly focused laser beams, which offer significantly higher data transmission rates and improved signal security. In airborne applications, these systems can establish high-speed communication links for commercial defense, or research purposes, supporting real-time data sharing over long distances.
One of the key benefits of airborne optical data communication is its ability to provide much larger bandwidth than radio-frequency systems, allowing for faster and more efficient data transfer. This is particularly valuable in applications requiring the transmission of large volumes of data, such as live video feeds, radar imagery, or high-resolution sensor data. Additionally, optical communication is less prone to electromagnetic interference, making it ideal for environments where radio frequencies are congested or limited.
Security is another major advantage, as the narrow laser beams are harder to intercept or jam compared to broader radio signals. This makes it a preferred choice for secure communications in military or critical infrastructure operations. The system’s reduced size, weight, and power requirements also enhance its feasibility for deployment on aircraft, UAVs, or satellites.
