First European Data Relay System Satellite Forges 20,000 Successful Laser Links

The European Data Relay System (EDRS)--dubbed the "SpaceDataHighway" by its private operator, Airbus--has passed another milestone. EDRS-A, the first satellite in what will eventually be a global constellation, has made its 20,000th successful optical link to its customer satellites since its launch in January 2016, marking a world first in laser communication in space. This milestone provides further evidence that ESA's Partnership Projects initiative successfully develop sustainable end-to-end systems, right up to in-orbit validation. The system is a public-private partnership between ESA and Airbus, with significant investment by the German Space Administration DLR. More

(Source: Space Ref - Apr 4)