SpotlightFlight DemonstrationTrack 4

UltraAir Airborne-to-GEO Optical Communication Demonstrator: Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking Results

Mr. Joost Peters

TNO

Day

Thursday · 2026-10-15

Time

4:20 PM - 5:40 PM

Track

Track 4

Session

Pat and Receiver Technologies

Venue

ICSO 2026 Conference Venue

Hall Track 4Session Pat and Receiver Technologies

Track indicates the session hall. Refer to the on-site programme board for the exact room number and any last-minute room changes.

In 30 seconds

The UltraAir demonstrator addresses the extreme challenges of airborne-to-geostationary optical communication, specifically maintaining link stability over 38,500 kilometers. By combining high-bandwidth closed-loop control with advanced pointing, acquisition, and tracking algorithms, the system mitigates significant aircraft vibrations and atmospheric turbulence. This development ensures robust, high-data-rate connectivity between airborne platforms and geostationary satellite terminals.

Read the full paper

Access the complete technical paper via the official ICSO 2026 programme.

Read Full Paper

Topics & Subtopics

Optical CommunicationsPointing, Acquisition & TrackingOptical Ground StationsAtmospheric TurbulenceCalibrationInstrument PerformanceEnvironmental Testing

Spotlight

PAT is a critical system bottleneck. Airborne-to-GEO demonstration evidence makes this especially useful for engineers working on dynamic-platform optical terminals.