A Japanese consortium that includes SoftBank, ArkEdge Space, Kiyohara Optics, and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) is preparing a series of demonstrations to advance optical communications between space and the stratosphere. The first phase, scheduled for 2026, will involve launching a 6U-class low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite developed by ArkEdge Space to test optical wireless communications between space and ground stations. Kiyohara Optics is developing an ultra-small, lightweight optical terminal capable of achieving 10 Gbps bidirectional transmission, while SoftBank and NICT are contributing to the development of optical communication devices and ground infrastructure.
In 2027, the consortium plans a world-first demonstration of bi-directional optical wireless communication between a LEO satellite and a high-altitude platform station (HAPS). This milestone aims to validate the potential of combining satellite and HAPS networks to enhance connectivity, enabling high-speed data relay for Earth observation, extending broadband coverage to underserved areas, and restoring communications in disaster-stricken regions.