Laser Satellite to Earth Communication
TNO won second prize in the category ‘Impact Delivered‘ at the 16th EARTO Innovation Awards for the CubeCAT laser communication terminal. This technology, currently aboard an orbiting satellite, uses light waves instead of radio waves providing higher capacity and faster more secure connections
In January this year data was successfully transferred between CubeCAT and a ground station in The Hague, marking a world’s first with Dutch technology. The prize was awarded during a special ceremony in Brussels attended by a wide array of political figures and other stakeholders. This successful field test marked a world first for fast optical communication to Earth using a small (10x10x10 cm) and lightweight optical terminal with Dutch technology.
We’re honored by this recognition, reflecting 5 years of dedication. Terminals like CubeCAT will revolutionize space-based data transmission and advance technological sovereignty for the Netherlands in Europe and NATO.’ Kees Buijsrogge – Director TNO Space
The global demand for laser satellite communication applications and components is set to grow rapidly. The Netherlands has the ecosystem and capacity to develop series production of high-quality instruments for this market. FSO Instruments, founded in 2023, is the first Dutch company in this field, developing and producing optical heads for laser communication terminals. CubeCAT is now commercially available through FSO instruments and its partner AAC Clyde Space.
TNO has been developing and building optical instrumentation for use in space for decades. The satellite instrument CubeCAT is developed by TNO in close cooperation with AAC Hyperion for the onboard electronics, drivers as well as software, and Gooch & Housego for the laser technology.
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