Sony's Space Adventure: Zapping Data with Lasers

In a futuristic leap, Sony has joined forces with Astro Digital to test laser communication technology using tiny satellites. The plan? Launch two small spacecraft in 2026, each carrying Sony's special laser terminal. These satellites will chat with each other and ground stations using super-fast laser beams, instead of old-fashioned radio waves. Why laser beams, you ask? They're super speedy and can carry a ton of data. Plus, Sony's laser terminal is smaller, lighter, and needs less power than others out there. This means even tiny satellites can use high-speed communications. Astro Digital, known for building teeny satellites, is teaming up with Sony's space subsidiary, SSCC. SSCC has already lined up customers for these laser terminals, but they're keeping tight-lipped about who they are. The race for better space communication is heating up. Companies like SpaceX are also working on laser tech, driven by a surge in low Earth orbit satellites and the need for more data-carrying capacity. In the past, laser communication faced production hurdles. For instance, Mynaric's CEO recently stepped down as the company struggled to meet demand for its laser terminals. But that hasn't stopped Sony and Astro Digital from pushing forward with their space laser adventure.