Laser links are no longer science fiction — they are the technology that is already transforming satellite constellations into global high-speed networks. SpaceX has demonstrated a new generation of optical inter-satellite communication, China has showcased record-breaking speeds, and in the U.S. and EU an entire industry of laser modem manufacturers is emerging. What does this mean for the future?
Introduction: Why This Story Matters
In August 2025, SpaceX unveiled a development that could radically shift the rules of the satellite internet market: a new “mini laser” terminal tested in orbit. Announcements of 25 Gbps throughput and the potential to link third-party satellites mark a new chapter in the evolution of Starlink’s infrastructure.
This event is part of a broader picture: the world is entering a phase of competition not only in the number of satellites, but in the quality of communication links between them. Optical inter-satellite links are becoming a new strategic asset — for SpaceX, the EU, and especially China.
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