From the past success of NASA’s Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD) to the upcoming launch of the Laser Communication Relay Demonstration (LCRD), we explore the topic of satellite laser communication. Driven by space agencies from around the globe, we walk through past and current pathfinding mission successes, pioneering to space based optical communications. In the current race to develop global connectivity, we examine constellation networks poised to connect the planet’s most remote regions and populations. But to begin our journey, we start with the first satellite to ground laser communication link, established by the Japanese space community in 1994, and the first inter-satellite link (ISL), demonstrated by the European Space Agency (ESA), using the SILEX mission hardware in 2001. Ranging from the lunar distance link that shattered records during NASA’s LLCD demonstration to the barrier breaking technology of the Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) mission, we explore the disrupting role in which optics is propelling communication technology in space.

Ezra Milby has been leading the development of next generation space technology with L3Harris Technologies. Since joining in 2016, his leadership has advanced key satellite based optical communications research and development initiatives. Prior to L3Harris, Ezra developed free space laser communication technology with BAE Systems. Studying under a BAE Systems Optical Sciences Masters Fellowship, Ezra holds a MS in Optical Science from the University of Arizona’s College of Optical Sciences. Ezra received his Bachelors of Science in Optics from the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester.