SES demonstrates bi-directional optical link with meoSphere pathfinder on K2 Gravitas
SES sent video messages over an optical link between a ground station in France and K2's Gravitas satellite.
SES reports it has demonstrated a bi-directional optical communications link between ground and space with its meoSphere pathfinder on K2 Space's Gravitas satellite.
SES sent video messages on an optical link between Cailabs' optical ground station in Rennes, France and its payload on Gravitas, using a Mynaric Condor optical terminal. SES designed, developed and operated the optical mission and developed the automation software that enabled the demonstration. Thales Alenia Space supported system assembly, integration, testing and operations.
Carmel Ortiz, senior vice president of MEO Programs at SES, said the team had successfully and repeatedly transferred data between space and the ground. SES plans to continue testing to extend link duration and push link speed and performance.
Gravitas, based on K2 Space's Mega-class satellite platform, launched in March 2026 with multiple SES payloads on board. SES announced a deal with K2 Space in mid-2025 to collaborate on its future Medium-Earth Orbit network and fly multiple pathfinder missions.
Sourcesatellitetoday.com