- Laser communications tackle the growing problem of bandwidth limitations and security weaknesses of traditional radio frequency data transfers to ground stations
- Reflex will host an in-orbit demonstration of Odysseus’ Cyclops™, a Space2Ground laser communication solution
Odysseus Space’s Cyclops-DTE laser communication terminal
Berlin and Munich, Germany & Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg 17 September 2024 – Reflex Aerospace, a manufacturer of dual-use satellite platforms, has been selected to host Odysseus Space’s Cyclops™ Space2Ground laser communication terminal on an upcoming mission. The mission signifies a strategic push to tackle the growing need for in-orbit, high-bandwidth data transfer. As the space industry confronts downlink bottlenecks due to limited spectrum availability in traditional radio frequency (RF) communications, Reflex and Odysseus are stepping up to demonstrate the next generation of laser communication solutions.
This mission will perform an in-orbit demonstration (IOD) of Odysseus’ satellite laser terminal (Cyclops-DTE), the keystone of Odysseus’ plan for Laser Communications as a Service (LCaaS™). Reflex’s satellite will connect Cyclops-DTE to Odysseus’ proprietary optical ground station (Cyclops-GT) and enable the transmission of large volumes of Earth observation (EO) data to the ground stations at a very high data rate.
“Our customers, who often operate sophisticated instruments that generate vast amounts of data, will reap the benefits of this technology.” said Dennis Moore, CCO of Reflex Aerospace. “We’re enabling the next generation of laser communication technology and pushing the boundaries of high pointing accuracy and stability, essential for our customers’ very high-resolution EO missions.”
The mission is expected to launch in early 2026. Reflex will enter a 12-month subscription with Odysseus for Cyclops LCaaS™ after the successful IOD.
“This partnership with Reflex Aerospace allows us to demonstrate not only the capabilities of our space terminal, but also the full scope of Cyclops™, our Laser Communication as a Service (LCaaS™) offering,” said Jordan Vannitsen, CEO of Odysseus Space. “With our subscription-based Cyclops™ plans, we’re lowering the barriers for satellite operators to adopt space to ground laser communication. Satellite operators and integrators can focus on their mission-critical tasks while we manage the entire communication pipeline when they sign up for this end-to-end solution that includes both the hardware and the data service. This mission will be a pivotal demonstration of how accessible and scalable laser communication can be.”
By 2026, Reflex and Odysseus will be capable of providing customers with high-performance satellite platforms with space-to-ground laser communication capabilities. Interested customers can already pre-register for Cyclops™ today.
Reflex Aerospace is currently awaiting the launch of its inaugural satellite SIGI, scheduled to launch on the SpaceX Transporter-12 rideshare mission.
About Reflex Aerospace
Based in Munich and Berlin, Reflex Aerospace enables lightning-fast innovation in space by designing and manufacturing 100 to 500 kg payload-specific, dual-use satellite platforms within 12 months. Reflex is redefining satellite development by blending verticalized in-house design and manufacturing, end-to-end support, secure-by-design modules, hardware-accelerated encryption, and the highest-performing core avionics in its class.
Reflex Aerospace GmbH – Press contact
Sam Bender
sam@reflexaerospace.com
About Odysseus Space
Founded in Luxembourg in 2019, Odysseus Space provides laser communication as a service for space-to-ground data transfer. Its unique solution, Cyclops™, addresses the data bottleneck and security challenges faced by satellite operators. It is fast, secure, and cost-efficient.
Cyclops™ is an end-to-end solution delivered through a subscription model, with no upfront cost. It can include the space laser terminal and gives satellite operators access to our network of optical ground stations, enabling data retrieval at up to 10 Gbps, and 1 TB per day.
www.odysseus.space
www.odysseus.space
Odysseus Space – Press contact
Press
pr@odysseusspace.com