At the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, the European Space Agency (ESA) signed a contract for Element #1 of the HydRON Demonstration System, which aims to revolutionize satellite communication using laser technology. This system will enable faster connections between satellites and ground networks, significantly enhancing data collection capabilities.
Kepler Communications, a Canadian satellite telecommunications provider, has been selected as the prime contractor for this initial phase, which involves deploying a ring of ten satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The project seeks to establish a space data relay transport layer that allows for seamless data transmission from various orbits to ground users. Future phases will expand the network to include satellites in non-LEO orbits.
HydRON's optical communication technology promises to alleviate congestion in traditional radio frequency systems, thereby improving data transfer efficiency, especially for Earth observation missions. This advancement is expected to support a range of applications, from environmental monitoring to disaster response, and will integrate with existing fiber optic networks.
Meanwhile, China successfully launched its fifth Gaofen-12 satellite using a Long March 4C rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite has entered a sun-synchronous orbit, joining its predecessors in the China High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS). Although specific capabilities were not disclosed, the satellite is expected to aid in land surveys, urban planning, and disaster relief.
This launch marks China's 49th orbital attempt in 2024 and precedes the upcoming Shenzhou-19 crewed mission to the Tiangong space station. The continued expansion of China's Earth observation capabilities reflects its commitment to comprehensive remote sensing and potential military applications.