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 communications 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. It is expected that the laser terminal will be part of the supply mission for the ISS in the fall of 2022.

By installing the Condor Mk2 on the ISS, Mynaric hopes to demonstrate the product's functions to its customers in Earth orbit and provide them with 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 communications technology, and also build our operational experience in space," said Tim Deaver, vice president for Strategic Solutions at Mynaric. The test platform is connected to the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory. Bartolomeo is also where other companies are testing their technologies to further develop infrastructure on Earth and in space.

Mynaric has been in existence since 2009 and has been listed on the U.S. Nasdaq technology exchange since last year. The start-up is working on laser technologies to enable communication between satellites and their communication with Earth.