Sony has partnered with California’s Astro Digital to test laser communications from two small satellites, using optical disc technology the Japanese conglomerate pioneered for CD players.
  • absGeekNZ@lemmy.nzEnglish
    2·
    1 day ago

    50kg units, I wonder who will get the launch contract. Electron can easily handle both units in one launch. Or will they get a ride share on a Falcon?

    • burble@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      There are actually a ton of “space laser” companies at this point. SpaceX above all others, but in the SDA world there’s Skyloom, Mynaric, CACI, Tesat.

      For legit “space lasers”, Aetherflux wants to beam power to the surface.

      • aeronmelon@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        1 day ago

        Aetherflux wants to beam power to the surface.

        That’s how I burnt down a city in SimCity 2000 using a microwave power plant.

    • threelonmusketeersOPMEnglish
      5·
      2 days ago

      The pair of spacecraft will be based on Astro Digital’s Corvus satellite platform and ready to launch in 2026, the companies said in a brief Nov. 12 news release.

      Launch is still a couple years out. You just have to remember to add it to your 2026 spaceflight bingo card.