Mitsubishi Electric Corporation demonstrated laser optical frequency control using a new light source module, a key component of an envisioned high-capacity laser optical communication network to be deployed in outer space.
The module, which produces a 1.5-µm wavelength signal, was installed in the OPTIMAL-1 nanosatellite developed through an industry-academia collaboration and released from the International Space Station (ISS) on January 6. The use of a nanosatellite enabled the demonstration to be carried out faster and at lower cost than using a conventional large satellite.
Mitsubishi Electric expects space-based optical technologies could increase data capacity (by ten times or more) as well as communication speeds and distances compared to systems that use radio waves.
