PlaneWave Instruments forges partnership to revolutionize laser communications
Adrian-based telescope manufacturer, PlaneWave Instruments, has formed another strategic partnership aimed at advancing the field of direct-to-Earth laser communications.
The partnership between PlaneWave and Miratlas, a France-based company specializing in atmospheric monitoring technology, was officially announced earlier this month at the 39th annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where both companies showcased their collaborative efforts to industry leaders and stakeholders.
The announcement also coincided with the unveiling of new product developments, including the world’s first fisheye based radiometric cloud imager camera.
At the start of the year, PlaneWave Instruments announced another collaboration with California’s Sea West Observatories, as the two companies expect to develop and design a laser communications optical ground station that will be utilized by the Space Development Agency. The project is expected to kick off in 2025.
More: PlaneWave Instruments selected for Space Development Agency's optical ground station program
Miratlas, founded in 2018 by CEO Jean-Édouard Communal and CTO Frédéric Jabet, brings to the partnership a wealth of expertise in passive atmospheric sensing techniques.
“Their cutting-edge technology utilizes stars and the sun as references to characterize atmospheric absorption and scattering to optimize direct-to-earth laser communication and robotic telescope operation,” a joint news release from PlaneWave Instruments and Miratlas said.
“Miratlas is excited to partner with PlaneWave Instruments to bring our atmospheric monitoring technology to the forefront of laser communications,” Communal said. “Our collaboration will revolutionize the industry by providing comprehensive atmospheric characterization services, essential for optimizing the planning and operations of the optical ground segment necessary to laser communication.”
“We are thrilled to rekindle our partnership with Miratlas and leverage their advanced atmospheric monitoring solutions,” added Eric Blackhurst, vice president of business development at PlaneWave Instruments. “By integrating Miratlas’ technology into our offerings, we aim to provide U.S. customers with the ability to properly characterize and manage optical communications links from their ground networks. As the selected partner to bring Miratlas’ technology to America, PlaneWave is excited to expand their reach beyond Europe and provide both sales and installation support.”
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PlaneWave Instruments, founded in 2006, has the goal of creating the perfect telescope. It designs and manufactures observatory-class instruments for clients around the world, and is headquartered in Adrian at 1375 N. Main St.
To contact PlaneWave Instruments call 310-639-1662 or visit planewave.com. To learn more about Miratlas head to miratlas.com.
— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at bheineman@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: twitter.com/LenaweeHeineman.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: PlaneWave Instruments forges partnership to revolutionize laser communications
