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Mitsubishi Electric Successfully Demonstrates Light Source Modulefor High-capacity Laser Optical Communication in Outer Space
Quick, low-cost demonstration uses nanosatellite developed through industry-academia collaboration

Approximately 8 cm

Concept of space-based laser optical network for global communications

Newly developed light source module

TOKYO, June 20, 2023 – Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it has
successfully demonstrated laser optical frequency control using a new light source module, a key componentof an envisioned high-capacity laser optical communication network to be deployed in outer space. The module,
which produces a 1.5-µm wavelength signal, was installed in the OPTIMAL-11 nanosatellite developed
through an industry-academia collaboration2 and released from the International Space Station (ISS) onJanuary 6. The use of a nanosatellite enabled the demonstration to be carried out fasterand at lower cost than using a conventional large satellite.
Mitsubishi Electric has been developing space-based optical technologies that are
expected to increase data capacity (by ten times or more) as well as communication
speeds and distances compared to systems that use radio waves.
Satellite images are increasingly being used for purposes such as assessing conditionsin post-disaster areas and the state of remote forestry resources. Existing radio-wavesatellite communication systems are limited in terms of capacity, speed and distance,
12OPTIMAL-1Mission Badge

Rectangular parallelepiped measuring 10 x 10 x 34 cm (WxDxH), released from Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” aboard the ISS
Led by ArkEdge Space Inc. and joined by Pale Blue Inc., SEIREN Co., LTD., University of Fukui, School of Engineering at The
University of Tokyo, and Mitsubishi Electric1/3

so new optical systems offering improved communications capabilities are required for faster and higherresolution assessments from space. Advanced systems that use laser signals are expected to be increasingly
adopted not only for their superior communications capabilities but also for using wavelengths shorter thanradio waves, which allows the use of relatively small and easily installed terrestrial antennas.
Features1)

World’s first optical frequency control test in space with a 1.5-µm wavelength laser light source module- Laser communication between satellites requires correction of the Doppler effect, which causes the laser
optical frequency to change due to satellites moving at different speeds relative to each other. The new lightsource module was deployed in the world's first3 demonstration of a laser frequency being adjusted by up
to 60 GHz in space, sufficient for Doppler effect compensation.

2)

Nanosatellite developed in industry-academia collaboration enables quick, low-cost demonstration- Using a nanosatellite developed through an industry-academia collaboration project, the demonstration inouter space required only about one-third the time and one-hundredth the development cost ofdemonstrations performed with large satellites.4

OPTIMAL-1 module(Courtesy of ArkEdge Space & University of Fukui)
Nanosatellite being launched from ISS(Courtesy of JAXA/NASA)

According to ArkEdge Space Inc.'s Chief Executive Officer Takayoshi Fukuyo: “The development ofnanosatellites has been gaining momentum in recent years. Nanosatellites weighing just a few kilograms canbe developed and launched for low cost, so they are expected to be used in new applications, such as
widespread observations of Earth using numerous satellites. The successful demonstration of the light source
module aboard the OPTIMAL-1 is expected to advance the deployment of nanosatellites.”
University of Fukui Special Appointment Associate Professor Yoshihide Aoyanagi said: “Conditions in outerspace, including radiation, vacuum and temperatures, create harsh environments for equipment, sodemonstrating the capability to operate in space is crucial for the development of satellites. I hope thesuccessful demonstration of the OPTIMAL-1 will lead to further progress in industry's use of nanosatellites.”

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According to Mitsubishi Electric’s research as of June 20, 2023
Compared to previous demonstrations conducted in outer space by Mitsubishi Electric

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Future Development
Mitsubishi Electric will propose the demonstrated technology for use in large-scale space development
projects. Also, the company will promote nanosatellites as an important demonstration platform for spacerelated research and development conducted through industry-academia collaborations. Mitsubishi Electric
will continue to pursue technological development aimed at the early realization of space-based laser opticalcommunications.
###About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
With more than 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electricaland electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite
communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment.
Mitsubishi Electric enriches society with technology in the spirit of its “Changes for the Better.” The company
recorded a revenue of 5,003.6 billion yen (U.S.$ 37.3 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. For
more information, please visit www.MitsubishiElectric.com*U.S. dollar amounts are translated from yen at the rate of ¥134=U.S.$1, the approximate rate on the TokyoForeign Exchange Market on March 31, 2023

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