SpotlightIn-Orbit / OperationalTrack 4

Operational results of JAXA’s optical data relay system LUCAS as of Oct. 2026

Mr. Yohei Satoh

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Day

Friday · 2026-10-16

Time

11:20 AM - 12:40 PM

Track

Track 4

Session

Optical Intersatellite Links

Venue

ICSO 2026 Conference Venue

Hall Track 4Session Optical Intersatellite Links

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 Laser Utilizing Communication System (LUCAS) enables high-capacity 1.8 Gbps optical inter-satellite links between LEO and GEO platforms. By using a 1.5-µm laser architecture, the system extends daily communication windows for Earth observation missions from one hour to approximately nine hours. This data relay capability significantly boosts real-time disaster monitoring and global data transmission capacity.

Read the full paper

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

Read Full Paper

Topics & Subtopics

Optical CommunicationsIntersatellite LinksOptical Ground StationsPointing, Acquisition & TrackingInstrument Performance

Spotlight

One of the strongest operational optical-communications candidates: LUCAS has demonstrated 1.8 Gbps LEO–GEO relay and actual Earth-observation data delivery via GEO relay.