Axient and FSO Instruments to Collaborate on Laser Satellite Communications Development

Axient, a key player in the U.S. defense, aerospace, and cyberspace markets, and FSO Instruments, a Dutch joint venture between Demcon and VDL Groep, will collaborate on the development of laser satellite communications for use in a range of space applications. FSO Instruments develops and supplies optical-communication components, sub-systems, and terminals for laser satellite communications.

This collaboration is intended to achieve leadership in space-based laser communications for commercial and defense applications across their shared markets. Together, Axient and FSO Instruments aim to introduce disruptive laser satellite communications solutions to the market, combining superior specifications with high tech volume manufacturing capabilities. FSO Instruments will take responsibility for realizing core technology and production, while Axient will incorporate the laser satellite communication modules into integrated solutions for their engineering proposals. The companies also intend to investigate ways to integrate their optical solutions into a specific bus and micro-sat platform. Axient and FSO Instruments plan to collaborate in the Netherlands and in the United States, and to serve civil, defense, and commercial customers.

The companies will continue to collaborate and build upon their relationship, as well as with related partners in the coming months. Work on joint projects has already started and both entities look forward to announcing accomplishments in the coming months.

About Axient

Axient advances defense and civil missions from aerospace to cyberspace with multi-domain test and analysis, mission engineering and operations, and advanced technologies. With over 2,200 employees, Axient is headquartered in Huntsville, AL and has provided premier services and solutions to the Federal government for over three decades. Axient’s customers include the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, the Missile Defense Agency, NASA, and many commercial partners.

About FSO Instruments

FSO Instruments, domiciled in Delft, the Netherlands, is a joint venture of Demcon and VDL Groep. The company develops, produces, and supplies high-quality instruments for free-space optics (FSO), in particular products for laser satellite communications. FSO Instruments builds further on groundbreaking technology developed by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) that has been brought to maturity together with Demcon and VDL ETG. A core team of systems architects, senior engineers, and business developers is closely working together with Demcon, VDL ETG, TNO, and specialized suppliers.