CUBECAT Laser Communication Module

Small size, high throughput optical communications module for nanosatellites

Introducing CubeCAT, the game-changing satellite communications terminal that allows your space-based assets to downlink vast amounts of data at a fraction of the cost. Say goodbye to licensing headaches and speed limitations—CubeCAT is flight-validated and ready to transform your communications.

With lightning-fast downlink speeds of up to 1 Gbps and uplink rates of 200 Kbps, this compact, high-throughput optical laser communication terminal is perfect for CubeSats and small satellites. CubeCAT also features an onboard data management system with a large storage buffer, built-in data coding, and synchronization, making it a plug-and-play integrated communications subsystem.

As satellite missions become more ambitious and data-hungry, laser communications emerge as the backbone of the next-generation space infrastructure. From improving SWaP for CubeSats to unlocking new societal benefits, the transition from RF to laser isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential. AAC Clyde Space and our partners are proud to lead this transformation, one beam at a time. Find out more Laser Technology: The Future of Space-Based Communications

Don’t wait—CubeCAT will be available in just 9 months. Connect with us today to learn more about how CubeCAT can revolutionize your satellite missions.

CubeCAT is a compact, high performance laser communication terminal for use in CubeSats and small satellites. The laser communications module enables a bidirectional space-to-ground communication link between a CubeSat and an optical ground station.

Using optical communication circumvents tedious radio licensing procedures and enables high performing payloads on small platforms.

The module is designed according to the size, mass and power constraints inherent to small satellites of the nanosat class and is compatible with standard CubeSat platforms. Due to its built-in attitude determination and control error compensation system, it allows for relaxed requirements on the host satellite ADCS.

CubeCAT features an on-board data management system, featuring a large data storage buffer, and built-in data coding and synchronization. This makes the CubeCAT module a plug-and-play integrated communications subsystem.

The CubeCAT is part of the CubeCAT Lasercom system and is the result of a joint effort by AAC Clyde Space, FSO Instruments and TNO

Robust 

AAC Clyde Space’s proven iADCS technology, digital processing technology and experience in electronic systems for space in general has been applied in the CubeCAT system to create a system that is efficient, robust, and easy to use both for the satellite developer and the satellite operator.

Performance 

This system suits commercial CubeSat applications well, with modest size and power requirements and no licensing requirements, but also meets the increasing need for high data rates in small satellites, through offering a large data rate with a small volume terminal.

Modular 

Featuring a large data storage buffer, the CubeCAT terminal has a built-in data coding and synchronization. This makes the CubeCAT module a plug-and-play integrated communications subsystem.

Why CubeCAT?

• • TRL 9
  • Lead Time: 9-12 Months
  • Flown Since 2023
  • Bidirectional space-to-ground communication
  • Optical communication
  • Compatible with standard CubeSat platforms
  • Downlink speeds of up to 1 Gbps
  • Uplink data rate of 200 Kbps.
  • 64 GB data storage buffer
  • Built-in attitude determination and control error compensation system
  • On-board data management system, featuring a large data storage buffer, and built-in data coding and synchronization.