SES will evaluate new optical ground stations from France-based Cailabs to move space data using laser rather than radio signals. The company aims to lift throughput, harden link security, and ease congestion across increasingly crowded radio frequency bands by tapping optical communications.

The effort advances space laser links that can reach up to 10 gigabits per second, roughly 100 times typical home internet speeds. Because tightly focused light beams are difficult to intercept or jam, SES sees strong potential for secure government and commercial connectivity.

Atmospheric turbulence remains the primary hurdle for space-to-ground lasers, which can cause beam scintillation and loss. Cailabs addresses this with Multi-Plane Light Conversion, an approach akin to adaptive eyewear that re

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