Sidus Space has successfully completed the critical design review (CDR) for LizzieSat™ NL, a laser communication satellite developed under contract with TNO. This major milestone confirms the technical baseline of the satellite design, enabling Sidus to proceed with fabrication, assembly, and integration. As part of a multimillion-dollar contract, the CDR completion also unlocks a milestone payment for Sidus.
Integrating HemiCAT: High-Efficiency Laser Communication Technology
At the core of LizzieSat™ NL is TNO’s HemiCAT, a high-efficiency miniature laser communication terminal. This advanced technology, integrated into Sidus’ 3D-printed satellite platform, is designed to offer substantial data transfer improvements. Compared to traditional radio frequency systems, laser technology increases bandwidth by up to 100 times, supporting high-demand applications such as Earth imaging and real-time surveillance.
Carol Craig, CEO of Sidus Space, remarked on the significance of this milestone, stating, “This milestone brings Sidus closer to harnessing the transformative power of laser communications, significantly improving data transfer rates and unlocking new opportunities for our customers.”
As Sidus advances toward on-orbit operations, the LizzieSat™ NL mission underscores the potential of laser communication to revolutionize data accessibility and speed, enhancing the capabilities available to satellite operators and opening new possibilities in real-time data-driven insights.