NTT and Cailabs have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to advance optical communications systems linking orbital infrastructure with ground-based networks. The collaboration will concentrate on bridging satellite constellations and earthbound data infrastructure via optical technology.
The two companies plan to integrate NTT's digital coherent technology and network control capabilities into Cailabs' optical ground stations (OGS). Additionally, they intend to examine connecting Cailabs' ground stations directly to nearby NTT data centres via NTT's All-Photonics Network (APN).
For NTT, this initiative extends its IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) technology into the space domain, building on optical communications and networking advances the company has already developed through its broader IOWN programme. The partnership will also investigate how ground stations, terrestrial optical networks and data centres could operate as an integrated whole.
This partnership with Cailabs marks a significant milestone in applying NTT's IOWN technology to the space sector. Building on the technology cultivated through NTT's research and development and Cailabs' proven capability in the steady deployment of optical ground stations, we will accelerate the global expansion of optical communication infrastructure in the space sector and open up new growth opportunities.
Minako Tsumenaga, NTT Senior Vice President, Head of Alliance Division, Research and Development Marketing
Connecting optical ground stations directly to terrestrial optical networks is a critical step toward making satellite optical communications operational at scale. By combining NTT's expertise in advanced optical networking with Cailabs' experience in designing, manufacturing and deploying optical ground stations, this collaboration will explore an end-to-end architecture connecting satellites, ground infrastructure and data centres. Our shared objective is to help turn high-capacity optical communications into scalable infrastructure for future satellite services.
Jean-François Morizur, Cailabs CEO
