Technology

Starlink and Muon fuse space lasers and satellites to deliver ‘industry-first’ persistent optical connectivity in orbit — will enable 25 Gbps data transfer at distances up to 4,000km

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Oct 21, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

Muon Space and Starlink have partnered to introduce persistent optical connectivity in orbit, enabling satellites to function as live, Internet-connected platforms. By utilizing Starlink's mini laser terminals, Muon Space's Halo platform can achieve data transfer speeds of 25 Gbps at distances up to 4,000km, reducing data feed latency significantly. This advancement will revolutionize space systems operation, allowing for real-time data access and transforming how missions are designed. The collaboration will benefit initiatives like the FireSat constellation for enhanced wildfire detection and monitoring, showcasing the broader commercial implications of this industry-first technology.

Read Full Article

Samtec’s Strong Presence at embedded world 2026

Samtec had a significant presence at the embedded world 2026 event in Nuremberg, showcasing their FireFly™ technology and optical connectivity innovations. Matt Burns, Global Director of Technical Marketing at Samtec, highlighted the company's focus on supporting edge AI and emerging standards like COM-HPC and PCIe6. Samtec's readiness to meet challenges in AI at the edge was emphasized, with a strong emphasis on delivering smaller, faster, and denser interconnect solutions. With a reputation for quality and reliability over its 50-year history, Samtec is well-positioned to meet the demands of embedded applications for years to come.

SemiWiki•

4 weeks ago

How 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks Enable Ubiquitous Global Connectivity

The whitepaper delves into the technical aspects of 5G non-terrestrial networks, focusing on satellite constellation design, radio frequency challenges, and the evolution of architecture towards unified three-dimensional networks in future generations. It explores how 3GPP Release 17 integrates non-terrestrial network support for mobile broadband and IoT services, emphasizing the importance of satellite orbit selection in determining coverage and design decisions. The paper also discusses the unique radio frequency challenges of satellite links and the adaptations needed in 5G protocols for efficient operation over satellite connections. Overall, the whitepaper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how non-terrestrial networks enable global connectivity in the 5G system.

IEEE Spectrum•

4 weeks ago

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin reveals 51,600 satellite space data center plans — Project Sunrise will operate in sun-synchronous orbits between 500–1,800km in altitude

Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos, has unveiled plans for Project Sunrise, aiming to launch 51,600 satellites into space to create a data center constellation. The satellites will operate in sun-synchronous orbits between 500–1,800km in altitude. Blue Origin's FCC filing outlines the technical details of the project, emphasizing the use of optical links between satellites to reduce reliance on radio spectrum. The initiative aims to enhance AI data processing accessibility on Earth and promote societal benefits. Safety measures and spectrum efficiency are also highlighted in the filing to address concerns around satellite proliferation and operational risks.

Tom's Hardware•

2 months ago

11 Myths About Automotive Ethernet

The article "11 Myths About Automotive Ethernet" debunks misconceptions about the technology, highlighting its benefits for modern vehicles. It clarifies that Automotive Ethernet is not just for the future but is already benefiting OEMs by addressing connectivity requirements. The article explains the differences between regular Ethernet and automotive Ethernet, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and reduced complexity. It also addresses concerns about reliability, security, energy efficiency, and suitability for various vehicle types. Additionally, it emphasizes the standardization of Automotive Ethernet for improved interoperability and support for high-bandwidth applications in vehicles.

ElectronicDesign•