NEC Corporation Develops Demo Satellite for Optical Constellations

NEC Corporation, global industry experts in satellite communications and space-based network infrastructure, has completed the design of a small technology demonstration satellite to validate key technologies required for next-generation optical communication satellite constellations.

The satellite is designed to support in-orbit verification of optical communications, high-speed network routing, and high-capacity millimeter-wave communications. The payload design has now been finalized, and the system will be manufactured and integrated into a satellite bus ahead of a planned launch in fiscal year 2027.

In satellite constellations where large numbers of spacecraft operate as coordinated networks, optical communication is increasingly being adopted for inter-satellite links. Compared to conventional radio-frequency systems, optical communication reduces signal interference and enables significantly higher data transmission capacity.

However, scaling optical communication across constellations of tens to thousands of small satellites presents challenges in development time, cost, and manufacturability. Addressing these challenges requires the use of general-purpose, high-performance technologies that are compatible with mass production while maintaining reliability in the space environment.

In addition to communication hardware, constellation architectures require high computational performance to support real-time routing across dynamic mesh networks. These routing requirements differ significantly from terrestrial network environments and require new approaches to onboard processing and system design. To address these challenges, NEC will conduct a series of in-orbit demonstrations using the satellite platform to validate core technologies under operational conditions.

The first demonstration will evaluate radiation-hardened designs for commercial optical transceivers. These components are intended to enable high-capacity data transmission while maintaining performance and durability in space environments. The second demonstration will focus on high-speed network routing using a Versal Adaptive SoC device for onboard signal processing. NEC will also assess an application development methodology that integrates its existing satellite technology assets with generative AI to support future system development. The third demonstration will target next-generation millimeter-wave communications, including Q and V band transceiver operation. These tests will include communication with ground stations to evaluate radio wave propagation characteristics at higher frequency bands.

The satellite bus will utilize the Aries platform developed by Apex Technology, supporting a compact and configurable system architecture. The demonstration mission is intended to generate insights that cannot be fully replicated using ground-based testing, strengthening system validation and supporting the development of scalable satellite constellations.

Noted Apex Technology CEO, Ian Cinnamon, “NEC is exactly the kind of partner we built Apex for — a world-class technology leader pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in orbit. By pairing NEC’s advanced optical communications with our configurable and productized satellite bus, we’re accelerating time to orbit and reducing risk. This mission is a strong example of how mass-manufactured spacecraft can enable next-generation constellations globally. We’re proud to support NEC’s on-orbit demonstration and to expand Apex’s footprint internationally as we help partners deploy resilient, high-performance space infrastructure at scale.”

Added Yasushi Yokoyama, NEC Satellite Constellation Department Manager, “NEC aims to create social value through safety, security, fairness, and efficiency, positioning space utilization as a means to solve challenges in achieving these goals. Since the 1990s, NEC has been developing technologies in the field of space optical communications to support this vision. We are very pleased to conduct this demonstration with the cooperation of APEX, a company based in the United States—where satellite manufacturing innovation is advancing—and a leader in the industry for its rapid provision of small satellite buses. The results of this demonstration will also be utilized in the research and development conducted under the Economic Security Critical Technology Development Program ‘Development and Demonstration of Satellite Constellation Core Technologies for Optical Communications, etc.’ and the Space Strategy Fund Project ‘Technology Development for Optical Communication Satellite Constellation Construction and System Demonstration,’ both of which NEC is contracted to undertake. Going forward, NEC will continue advancing technological development with the goal of providing new space digital infrastructure.”

About NEC Corporation:

NEC Corporation is a global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) and network infrastructure solutions, with a long-standing presence in space systems, telecommunications, and advanced electronics. Founded in 1899 and headquartered in Tokyo, NEC develops technologies spanning optical communications, satellite systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing. In the space sector, NEC has supported the development of satellite communications systems, ground infrastructure, and optical communication technologies for several decades. The company’s work includes contributions to satellite payload development, network integration, and next-generation space-based communication architectures. NEC serves government and commercial customers worldwide, applying its expertise in digital networks and system integration to support critical infrastructure, including space-based communications and emerging satellite constellation platforms. To learn more, please click here.

Source/Photo Credit: NEC Corporation

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