Europe has launched the first satellite of its SpaceDataHighway system.
The first relay satellite, EDRS-A, was launched into geostationary orbit on January 30. It is scheduled to become operational by mid-2016, according to an Airbus Defense and Space announcement. Airbus and the European Space Agency have formed a public-private partnership to develop the SpaceDataHighway, which will provide high-speed laser communication at up to 1.8 gigabits per second.
"Using communication relay satellites such as EDRS-A, the SpaceDataHighway will be able to transfer high-volume information from Earth observation satellites, UAVs and surveillance aircraft, or even from a space station such as the ISS," Airbus said. "Thanks to the very high communication rates possible with lasers of up to 1.8 gigabits per second and the geostationary orbit positioning of the relay satellites, up to 50 terabytes per day can be transmitted securely in near-real-time to Earth, as opposed to the delay of several hours currently experienced."
Laser technology developed by Airbus subsidiary Tesat Spacecom, offers a highly precise pointing capability that can connect two laser terminals located 75,000 kilometers apart. Airbus is also working with UAV maker General Atomics to develop laser airborne terminals.
