An Introduction to Optical Communications in Non-terrestrial Networks

Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Kiyohara Optics, ArkEdge Space and SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) recently announced a collaborative agreement to demonstrate optical wireless communications between Low Earth Orbit satellites in space and the HAPS vehicles in the stratosphere.

Unlike radio waves, optical wireless communications use light, eliminating the need for frequency allocation and wireless licenses while offering high-speed connectivity. But how can they be utilized in the sky and space?

This introduction from the SoftBank Research Institute of Advanced Technology explains the advantages of optical communication and explores how it can be utilized as a new communications layer for non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to further enhance network service performance.

Part 1: What Is the New Optical Communication Technology for Space and the Stratosphere? A Beginner-Friendly Introduction

(Posted on October 17, 2025)
by SoftBank News Editors