Mynaric tests laser terminal on International Space Station

By testing its laser terminal on the ISS, the start-up aims to demonstrate the potential applications of its technology to its customers.

Mynaric will test its Condor Mk2 terminal for satellite communication on the Bartolomeo test platform on the International Space Station (ISS). The start-up has now signed a contract to this effect with Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, the company responsible for the test platform. The laser terminal is expected to be part of the ISS supply mission in fall 2022.

By installing the Condor Mk2 on the ISS, Mynaric aims to demonstrate the product's functions to its customers in Earth orbit and offer them experimental mission scenarios. "This experience will help customers experience the benefits of our products, refine and accelerate various deployment strategies for large-scale use of laser communication technology, and also build our operational experience in space," says Tim Deaver, Vice President of Strategic Solutions at Mynaric. The test platform is connected to the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory. Other companies are also testing their technologies on Bartolomeo in order to further expand the infrastructure on Earth and in space.

Mynaric has been in existence since 2009 and has been listed on the US technology exchange Nasdaq since last year. The start-up is working on laser technologies that will enable communication between satellites and their communication with the earth.