The Keraunos (Lightning in ancient greek) project aims to achieve discreet high-speed communications while overcoming the problems associated with atmospheric turbulences. The test will be conducted between a 10kg Unseenlabs nanosatellite and a portable compact ground station designed by Cailabs.
A satellite will be designed and put into orbit by Unseenlabs at the end of 2022. According to the company, the success of this groundbreaking operation would make possible a rapid deployment of laser communications below the stratosphere, thanks in large part to Unseenlabs’ modern and agile nano-satellite architecture, combined with Cailabs’ ground receiver technology.
“Compared to a traditional radio link, it offers greater speed, better discretion, and removes the constraint of having to share emission frequencies with other users.” says a statement published by Unseenlabs. “However atmospheric turbulences can easily disrupt an optical transmission of data, it must be adjusted and corrected at ground level. The adaptive optical technologies currently used are impractical in terms of size and mobility.”
Unseenlabs launched its fourth maritime surveillance satellite in August this year.
