JAXA and NEC recently announced the launch of LUCAS (Laser Utilising Communication System) onboard the Optical Data Relay Satellite, which includes G&H photonic systems and components

LUCAS system pushes the performance envelope in terms of data rates and latency with the aim of offering near real-time availability of satellite data. The system will show how laser communications can be a viable solution for future high-speed and scalable space communications.

LUCAS counts with two types of laser communication systems: one for geostationary satellites and one for earth observation satellites deployed on the low Earth orbit (LEO). A low-noise amplifier is used at the receiver side to amplify the very weak signals after having propagated in space for tens of thousands of kilometres.