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Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo target 2027 demonstration of laser link between PHOENIX 2 re-entry vehicle and LEO satellite

Lithuanian optical communications company Astrolight and German space logistics firm ATMOS Space Cargo have signed an MoU to demonstrate a high-speed, in-flight laser communications link between ATMOS’ PHOENIX 2 re-entry vehicle and an orbiting low Earth orbit satellite during a planned 2027 test.

Discovered 2026-08-10T05:15:39.828469-07:00 | 2026-08-10T05:15:39.828469-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

The planned 2027 demonstration would test spacecraft-to-satellite optical communications during atmospheric re-entry, a demanding phase for maintaining connectivity.
The companies describe the effort as the first intended in-flight optical link between a re-entry vehicle and an orbiting satellite.
The test connects emerging laser-communications capability with commercial space logistics and re-entry operations, creating a potential path for higher-speed data links during return missions.

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