Rendering of Spire’s optical inter-satellite link communications. Photo: Spire

Spire has demonstrated optical communications between two satellites in orbit in its constellation for the first time, Spire reported on March 3. 

The demonstration took place between two satellites equipped with optical inter-satellite link (OISL) payloads that launched in June of 2023. The OISLs are designed to transmit data up to 5,000 km apart. The company claims its OISL payloads are the smallest on the market, roughly the size of a tissue box. 

Spire said this milestone has the potential to enhance the company’s data and Space Services solutions, especially for applications that require continuous coverage with fast and secure data relay.

“Precisely pointing two satellites, across distances equivalent of New York to London, and establishing an inter-satellite optical link is a significant milestone for Spire,” said John Ward, senior director of Research & Development at Spire Global. “Integrating this technology into our future fleet will enhance resilience, improve security, and reduce latency for critical applications.”

Spire plans to launch three additional LEMUR satellites equipped with its OISL technology in 2025, two of which are set to launch via Exolaunch on the upcoming Transporter-13 rideshare mission with SpaceX.

Spire’s OILS development was supported by a European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Services (ARTES) Pioneer Partnership Project, with funding from the UK Space Agency (UKSA).