SmallCAT launch makes Netherlands forerunner in laser satellite communication

The Netherlands foresees a great future for laser satellite communication. That is why our country is investing heavily in this new technology. A first milestone is the launch of SmallCAT, an experimental satellite instrument that can send data from space to earth via laser light. SmallCAT will be launched into space SpaceX's Falcon 9 on Tuesday, April 11 at 8:48 a.m. Dutch time aboard the Norwegian satellite NorSat-TD. An agreement between the space agencies NSO from the Netherlands and NOSA from Norway, making this launch possible was signed already in January 2021.