Firms Plan Laser Satellite Network to Cut Data Delays

Hyderabad: A laser-based satellite relay network being developed by space start-ups TakeMe2Space and QOSMIC aims to reduce delays in transmitting satellite data from hours to near real time, with the first system scheduled for launch in 2027.

City-based space infrastructure company TakeMe2Space has partnered with QOSMIC to develop what the companies describe as India’s first indigenous optical inter-satellite link (OISL) network. The proposed system will use high-speed laser links to transfer data directly between satellites in orbit rather than waiting for them to pass over ground stations.

According to the companies, Earth observation satellites face delays ranging from several minutes to several hours before transmitting information to the ground. The planned network is intended to create an Indian-owned satellite data relay system capable of routing information across interconnected satellites and delivering it through the nearest available gateway, a representative told Deccan Chronicle.

The technology will be integrated into TakeMe2Space’s MOI constellation. Data generated anywhere within the constellation can be routed across satellites and transmitted through radio frequency gateways or optical ground infrastructure. The companies said the system could support applications in defence, disaster response, precision agriculture and environmental monitoring, where faster access to information can aid decision-making.

Under the collaboration, QOSMIC will develop the optical communication terminal, while TakeMe2Space will build the precision gimbal system, satellite interconnects and attitude determination and control systems required for stable laser communication links. The first optical communications terminal is planned for launch in the second quarter of 2027.

The companies said the project forms part of broader efforts to build orbital computing, data processing and satellite communication infrastructure using Indian-developed technologies.