Free-space Laser Communications for Small Moving Platforms

The Japanese National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) is currently working towards the development of a series of miniaturized space laser-communication terminals with the aim to meet the requirements of a variety of different platforms, from drones to satellites, and to be applied in a variety of different scenarios, from fixed to moving platforms, operating in a wide range of distances and conditions, and without the need of extensive customization. This paper describes NICT's current efforts in this topic, and it introduces the prototypes that are being developed for the verification tests, which will happen in 2022.