The aim of the KERAUNOS project, which was launched at the end of 2023, is to test innovative high-speed optical communications between a nano-satellite and a ground station located at the Cailabs site in Rennes.
The Defence Innovation Agency has provided €5.5 million in funding for the project, which is being carried out by Cailabs and Unseenlabs. A stable laser link was demonstrated in summer 2024, constituting a world first in high-speed optical satellite communication between a nano-satellite in low orbit and a commercial optical ground station.
This success is the fruit of collaboration between the French Defence Innovation Agency and two French New Space companies: Unseenlabs and Cailabs. Together they succeeded in establishing a stable laser link over several minutes, demonstrating the tracking of the nano-satellite in low orbit by the optical ground station and the establishment of a closed-loop laser link.
The advantages of the optical link over the usual radio link are its speed, discretion and independence from radio spectrum co-ordination regulations. It is sometimes disrupted by atmospheric turbulence, which KERAUNOS is tasked with circumventing in order to achieve optimum transmission quality.
KERAUNOS combines the expertise of Rennes-based companies Unseenlabs and Cailabs:
Cailabs' technology and photonics expertise have enabled the development of a ground receiver that circumvents these constraints while being sufficiently reliable and robust to be offered commercially.
The modern, agile architecture of Unseenlabs' nano-satellites makes it possible to integrate the laser payload in the very short timescales imposed by the New Space tempo. This laser can be used to send data to the Cailabs station on the ground.
This success makes it possible to use space-based laser communications on mobile, land-based, naval and airborne platforms. This system could be integrated into the Ministry of Defence's future satellite systems. The KERAUNOS project contributes to the objectives of the 2024-2030 military programming law, which provides for the reinforcement of France's action in space.
"I am delighted with the success of this first optical communications test with the KERAUNOS satellite, the first demonstrator initiated by the French Innovation Agency in the space sector. Our aim is to achieve the same level of success with our future projects, drawing on the creativity and ingenuity of companies from France's burgeoning New Space ecosystem.” Patrick Aufort, Director of the French Defence Innovation Agency.
“The KERAUNOS experiment is a success story that forms part of the "Optical Communication" technology roadmap of the French Defence Innovation Agency's "New Space" priority theme, launched in 2021. This success is the result of the investment and exceptional know-how of Unseenlabs and Cailabs.” Jean-Michel Parlier, Head of Space Innovation at the French Defence Innovation Agency.
"The success of this optical communication test completes the validation of Cailabs' range of optical ground stations. It supports Cailabs' proposal to our customers to provide a proven industrial ground station solution. This success also confirms the ability of New Space companies like Cailabs to quickly and efficiently develop ambitious systems for the armed forces," said Jean-François Morizur, CEO and co-founder of Cailabs.
"This success reflects Unseenlabs' ability to quickly deliver a complex, fully functional system into orbit. Combining the performance of Unseenlabs' system and satellite architectures with Cailabs' optical innovations paves the way for faster and safer communications", Jonathan Galic, CTO and co-founder of Unseenlabs.
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