European Consortium Sets 2.6 Gbps Laser Communication Record in Flight

A European consortium led by Airbus and the European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully demonstrated a high-speed optical communication link between an aircraft in flight and a satellite in geostationary orbit. According to an official announcement from ESA, the demonstration achieved a stable data transmission rate of 2.6 Gigabits per second (Gbps) over a distance of approximately 36,000 kilometers.

The test, conducted in late February 2026 from Nîmes-Garons Airport in southern France, marks a significant milestone in the development of secure, ultra-fast connectivity for aviation. By utilizing laser technology rather than traditional radio frequencies, the partners aim to overcome current bandwidth limitations and provide jam-resistant communication channels for government and military operations.

Breaking the Speed Barrier in Orbit

The core achievement of this demonstration was the maintenance of a stable optical link between the “UltraAir” airborne terminal and the Alphasat satellite. While the satellite orbits at a speed matching the Earth’s rotation, the aircraft operates within the atmosphere, subjecting the equipment to speed, vibration, and turbulence.

According to the project partners, the system successfully compensated for these environmental factors to keep a narrow laser beam precisely pointed at the target. The result was a transmission rate of 2.6 Gbps with no bit errors for several minutes, a performance that validates the feasibility of optical links for reliable in-flight connectivity.

Partners and Roles

The project operates under ESA’s ScyLight (Secure and Laser Communication Technology) programme. The collaboration involved several key industrial players:

• Airbus: Led the project and integrated the UltraAir terminal onto a modified business jet for flight testing.
• TNO: The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research provided the optical mechatronics and control software essential for stabilizing the laser against aircraft vibration.
• Tesat: A German subsidiary of Airbus, Tesat supplied the laser communication terminal technology and built the counterpart terminal (TDP-1) onboard the Alphasat satellite.
• ESA: Provided strategic oversight and the orbiting infrastructure via the Alphasat TDP-1 payload.

Technical Precision and Security

The demonstration utilized the UltraAir laser communication terminal, designed specifically to establish links from moving platforms like aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Unlike radio waves, which propagate in a wide pattern, laser communication utilizes a highly focused beam. This characteristic makes the signal significantly more difficult to intercept or jam, offering a “Low Probability of Interception/Detection” that is critical for defense applications.

François Lombard, Head of Connected Intelligence at Airbus Defence and Space, highlighted the technical difficulty of the feat in a statement:

“Establishing laser links between moving targets at this distance is technically very challenging. Continuous movements, platform vibrations and atmospheric disturbances require extreme precision.”

The counter-terminal in space, the Technology Demonstration Payload 1 (TDP-1) on Alphasat, features a 135mm aperture telescope. Although originally designed for 1.8 Gbps, the hardware successfully managed the increased throughput of 2.6 Gbps during this campaign.

AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Shift

We view this achievement as a pivotal moment for European technological sovereignty. By mastering the entire supply chain for optical communications, from the mechatronics developed by TNO to the system integration by Airbus, Europe is reducing its reliance on non-domestic satellite constellations.

While the immediate applications are likely military, connecting “combat clouds” and government aircraft securely, the commercial implications are vast. As the technology matures, it could replace congested RF bands in commercial aviation, eventually allowing airline passengers to access fiber-like internet speeds mid-flight. This demonstration serves as a critical proof-of-concept for the expansion of the European Data Relay System (EDRS), often referred to as the “SpaceDataHighway.”

Industry Perspectives

The successful test has been welcomed by industry leaders as a proof point for the viability of optical communications in operational environments. Kees Buijsrogge, Director of Space at TNO, emphasized the security implications of the technology.

“This breakthrough proves that our industry strengthens Europe’s security and its autonomy by leading strategic technology in the field of secure laser communications.”

Laurent Jaffart, Director of ESA Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity, noted that the technology is capable of “evading interference and detection in demanding conditions,” further underscoring its value for secure member state communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of laser communication over radio frequency?

Laser communication offers significantly higher data rates and is much harder to jam or intercept due to its narrow beam. It is also immune to electromagnetic interference and does not require the same spectrum licensing as radio frequencies.

What is the SpaceDataHighway?

The SpaceDataHighway, or European Data Relay System (EDRS), is a network of satellites that uses laser technology to relay data from Earth observation satellites and aircraft to the ground in near real-time, bypassing the need to wait for a ground station overpass.

Who manufactured the terminals?

The laser communication terminals were developed by Tesat, with critical optical mechatronics and stabilization software provided by TNO. Airbus led the system integration.

Sources: ESA Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Rocket Lab.

Rocket Lab Secures Contract for Four Dedicated BlackSky Missions

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has solidified its position as the premier launch provider for the small satellite market by signing a new multi-launch agreement with BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY). According to an official announcement from the company, the deal includes four dedicated Electron missions designed to deploy BlackSky’s next-generation Gen-3 Earth-imaging satellites.

This latest contract underscores the deepening relationship between the two companies. With this agreement, the total number of Electron missions booked by BlackSky has reached 17 since 2019, cementing Rocket Lab’s status as the geospatial intelligence firm’s “most prolific” Launch partner. The missions are set to support the rapid expansion of BlackSky’s constellation, leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven ability to deliver precise orbital insertion and high-frequency launch cadences.

Accelerating the Gen-3 Constellation

The primary focus of these four dedicated missions is the deployment of BlackSky’s Gen-3 satellites. These advanced spacecraft represent a significant leap in capability for the real-time geospatial intelligence provider. The Gen-3 satellites boast 35cm resolution imagery and are equipped with short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors, enabling low-light and nighttime imaging capabilities that are critical for defense and intelligence customers.

Rocket Lab’s role extends beyond simple transport. The company stated that the dedicated nature of these Electron launches allows for specific orbital targeting. This precision is vital for BlackSky, which aims to maintain a constellation capable of hourly revisit rates over key global locations. By controlling the launch schedule and orbital parameters, BlackSky can achieve “rapid commissioning,” a process that often allows them to deliver imagery to customers within 24 hours of a satellite’s deployment.

Vertical Integration on Display

A key technical detail highlighted in the announcement is the inclusion of Rocket Lab’s proprietary hardware in the mission architecture. The missions will utilize Rocket Lab’s “Advanced Lightband” separation systems. Manufactured by Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division, these components are designed to ensure shock-free separation of the satellite from the launch vehicle.

This integration demonstrates Rocket Lab’s strategy of becoming a “one-stop shop” for space operations. By providing both the launch vehicle and critical satellite subsystems, the company reduces integration risks for customers like BlackSky. The shock-free nature of the Advanced Lightband is particularly important for optical satellites, which carry sensitive instruments that can be degraded by the mechanical stress of traditional separation mechanisms.

Operational Context and Reliability

The agreement follows a historic year for Rocket Lab. In 2025, the company completed 21 successful Electron launches, achieving a 100% mission success rate for the calendar year. This reliability record appears to be a driving factor in BlackSky’s decision to continue its reliance on the Electron vehicle.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck emphasized the strategic alignment between the two companies in the press release:

“BlackSky has been a long-standing partner, and we’re proud to continue supporting the aggressive expansion of their Gen-3 constellation. Our ability to provide dedicated, rapid access to precise orbits is exactly what constellation operators need to maintain and upgrade their assets in space.”

The company also noted that previous missions, such as “Fasten Your Space Belts” in February 2025 and “Full Stream Ahead” in June 2025, successfully deployed Gen-3 satellites, validating the technical compatibility between the Electron rocket and BlackSky’s newest hardware.

AirPro News Analysis

Market Dominance in Small Launch

From our perspective at AirPro News, this contract serves as further evidence that Rocket Lab has effectively cornered the U.S. market for dedicated small satellite launches. While SpaceX continues to dominate the heavy-lift and rideshare sectors, the “taxi” model of rideshare does not offer the specific orbital control required for optimized constellation management. Rocket Lab remains the only operational U.S. provider delivering high-frequency, dedicated access to space, with competitors like Firefly Aerospace flying at a significantly lower cadence and others, such as Relativity Space and ABL, pivoting away from the small launch segment.

The Speed Advantage

The synergy between Rocket Lab and BlackSky is rooted in speed. BlackSky’s business model depends on “real-time” intelligence, while Rocket Lab sells “rapid access” to orbit. This deal highlights a critical divergence in the launch market: while bulk transport is cheaper, the premium for speed and control remains high. For defense-oriented clients, the ability to replace or upgrade a satellite on demand—rather than waiting months for a rideshare slot—is a capability worth the premium price of a dedicated Electron mission.

Financial Implications

While the specific value of the contract was not disclosed in the press release, standard industry pricing for Electron launches typically ranges between $7.5 million and $8.5 million per mission. Based on these figures, AirPro News estimates the deal could be valued between $30 million and $34 million. This contributes to Rocket Lab’s growing backlog and follows a reported record annual revenue of $602 million for 2025, reinforcing the company’s financial stability in a volatile sector.

Sources

• Rocket Lab Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Rocket Lab.

Rocket Lab Acquires Optical Support Inc. to Bolster National Security Payload Capabilities

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has announced the acquisition of Optical Support Inc. (OSI), a Tucson-based engineering firm renowned for its high-precision optical and optomechanical instruments. Announced on February 26, 2026, this strategic move aims to vertically integrate Rocket Lab’s supply chain, specifically enhancing its ability to deliver national security payloads and supporting its Geost business unit.

The acquisition brings critical manufacturing capabilities in-house, allowing Rocket Lab to control the production of sub-assemblies such as lenses, mirrors, and housings. These components are essential for sensors used in Space Domain Awareness (SDA), missile warning, and tracking systems, technologies central to current U.S. defense initiatives.

Strategic Vertical Integration

According to the company’s announcement, the acquisition of OSI is a direct effort to secure the supply-chain for Geost, a sensor manufacturer Rocket Lab acquired in 2025. OSI has historically been a key supplier for Geost, bridging the gap between optical design and mechanical engineering.

By bringing OSI under the Rocket Lab umbrella, the company gains a 22,000-square-foot facility in Tucson, Arizona, along with a specialized workforce of approximately 20 employees. This team includes optical engineers, machinists, and technicians skilled in CNC machining, optical alignment, and cleanroom assembly.

Rocket Lab Founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck emphasized the critical nature of optical systems in modern spaceflight:

“Optical systems play a large and vital role in gathering critical data for the most impactful space missions of today and the future… The high performing technology behind many of those missions comes from the team at Optical Support, Inc.”

, Sir Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab

A History of High-Profile Engineering

OSI is described in industry reports as a boutique firm with a significant reputation in the optics sector. Beyond its work for Geost, the company has contributed to some of the most complex engineering projects in recent history.

Notable projects attributed to OSI include:

• NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): Providing optomechanical systems and tooling.
• Sphere Las Vegas: Supplying optical technology for the venue’s advanced display systems.
• Defense & Intelligence: A long history of classified work supporting U.S. government missions.

Michael Savard, President of OSI, will join Rocket Lab along with his team to continue leading these operations. In a statement regarding the acquisition, Savard highlighted the synergy between the two companies:

“Optical Support, Inc. has been enabling some of the nation’s most critical missions for more than 20 years… Rocket Lab’s track record of acquiring best-in-class space systems technologies and successfully scaling them… has been proven multiple times over.”

, Michael Savard, President of Optical Support Inc.

AirPro News Analysis

This acquisition reinforces a broader trend in Rocket Lab’s strategy to evolve from a launch provider into a comprehensive “space prime” contractor. By securing the manufacturing of critical optical components, Rocket Lab reduces its reliance on third-party vendors, potentially increasing the speed at which it can iterate on complex hardware.

Furthermore, the move strengthens the company’s footprint in Tucson, Arizona, often referred to as “Optics Valley.” With both Geost and OSI located in this hub, Rocket Lab is positioning itself as a major player in the U.S. defense industrial base, particularly for programs like the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

Recent Expansion Efforts

The OSI deal is part of a wider push by Rocket Lab to expand its global manufacturing capacity. Industry reports note that this announcement coincides with the acquisition of Precision Components Limited (PCL) in New Zealand. Together, these moves signal an aggressive approach to scaling production capabilities for both the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles as well as satellite systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Optical Support Inc. (OSI)?
OSI is a Tucson-based engineering firm specializing in the design, manufacture, and testing of high-precision optical and optomechanical instruments.

Why did Rocket Lab acquire OSI?
The acquisition vertically integrates the supply chain for Rocket Lab’s space systems division, particularly supporting the Geost business unit and national security payloads.

What assets did Rocket Lab acquire?
Rocket Lab acquired a 22,000 sq. ft. facility in Tucson and a team of approximately 20 specialized employees, including optical engineers and machinists.

Was the deal value disclosed?
No, financial terms for the acquisition were not publicly released.

Sources

• Rocket Lab Press Release