SES has demonstrated a bidirectional optical communications link between a ground station in Rennes, France, and a satellite payload, in a test for its planned meoSphere network. The meoSphere Pathfinder 1 mission used a Mynaric CONDOR terminal aboard a satellite on K2’s GRAVITAS mission. SES worked with Cailabs, K2 and Mynaric, with Thales Alenia Space supporting system integration, testing and operations.
The ground terminal was installed at Cailabs’ optical facility in Rennes. The satellite was flying on K2’s Mega-class platform. SES reports that data transfers between the satellite and ground station were repeated successfully; video messages from chief executive Adel Al-Saleh were also transmitted over the link.
SES designed, developed and operated the optical mission and developed its automation software. The company plans further tests to extend link duration and improve speed and performance. Results are intended to inform subsequent Pathfinder missions and the optical architecture for meoSphere, which SES plans as a next-generation medium Earth orbit network.
SES did not disclose measured link speed, duration or data volume. The test establishes a successful link demonstration, but does not provide quantitative performance results or demonstrate operational capability for the future network.