ATLAS-1
Small laser communication terminal flying on a University of Athens satellite that sends data to an Astrolight-built ground station in Greece.
Why it matters
Small satellites have little power and room for big radio antennas, and radio spectrum is limited. A compact laser terminal lets them send more data over links that are hard to jam.
How the technology works
ATLAS-1 points a narrow laser beam at the ground station during each pass. Astrolight is developing larger ATLAS-2, ATLAS-X-MINI and ATLAS-X terminals for faster space-to-ground and satellite-to-satellite links.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction