Wi-Fi on airplanes could finally keep up with the 21st century. The European Space Agency and Airbus have just proven that it is possible to use lasers to transmit gigabit internet from space to a moving aircraft.
The test achieved 2.6 gigabits per second between an aircraft and the Alphasat satellite 36,000 kilometers above Earth. This speed continued for several minutes. At this speed, an HD movie can be downloaded in seconds. The connection remained stable the entire time, even as the plane moved and crashed through clouds.
It’s brutally difficult to aim a laser at a fast-moving target from that distance. The system had to take into account the vibrations of the aircraft, its constant movement and atmospheric interference that would disrupt a normal radio connection. It still worked.
A laser detected at 36,000 kilometers
The UltraAir terminal on the aircraft had to remain aligned with the satellite throughout the movement. Turbulence, curves, height differences. Any interruption in the beam breaks the connection. Airbus built the terminal and it held up.
The UltraAir laser terminal from Airbus on the plane Airbus Defense and Space
Laser communication surpasses radio in two ways. The beams are narrow and therefore pack more data. A laser connection can transmit far more information than a radio signal. They are also much harder to intercept, which is ideal for military and commercial users.
The radio spectrum is overcrowded, so optical connections circumvent this problem entirely. The main difference is how the signal gets to your receiver on the final leg. Starlink and most other satellite internet services use radio waves to transmit data from space to your dish, but laser communications use focused beams of light instead. Laser connections can transmit far more data, are subject to less interference and use significantly less power than traditional radio-based systems.
Why Europe relies on laser connections
This wasn’t a random experiment. It is part of HydRON, ESA’s plan for a space-based optical network. Think fiber optic cable, but in orbit.
The ScyLight program supported the work with funds from the Netherlands and Germany. Europe wants its own secure data infrastructure. Relying on crowded radio bands for everyone to sing is not a long-term strategy.
Laser terminal seen from outside Airbus Defense and Space
ESA’s Laurent Jaffart said the test solved the difficult problems associated with fast laser communications, particularly avoiding interference in difficult conditions. Airbus sees both defense and commercial potential. Francois Lombard described the precision required as “extreme” and said it ushered in a new era for laser satellites.
When you will actually use this
Not on your next flight. Probably not the one after that. But the path is now visible.
ESA’s Harald Hauschildt said connecting aircraft to networks like HydRON was a priority. This includes high-altitude platforms and regular aircraft.
The same technology works for ships at sea and vehicles in remote areas. Places that cell towers cannot reach. Deserts, oceans, disaster areas. Laser links could keep them online.
The industry can strengthen Europe’s autonomy by leading in secure laser communications. The hard part is done. Now someone has to build the network.
