Space Compass and Airbus Defence and Space Sign MOU for Cooperation in Optical Communication and Earth Observation Solutions
Space Compass and Airbus Defence and Space have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on optical communication and Earth observation solutions. Both companies will explore the potential of high-speed, high-capacity optical data relay technology to enable quasi-real-time communication and contribute to the rapidly increasing demand in the Earth observation field.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 14:30 (3h 58m after Collected)
Space Compass Inc. (hereinafter, Space Compass) and Airbus Defence and Space SAS (hereinafter, Airbus) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the fields of optical communication and remote sensing.
Based on this MOU, both companies will examine how optical data relay technology, which enables high-speed, high-capacity, and quasi-real-time communication, can contribute to the rapidly increasing demand in the Earth observation field.
**Towards Real-time Earth Observation Data / Exploring the Possibilities of Next-Generation Connectivity**
This study will verify the potential for creating new added value in the utilization of Earth observation data by combining Space Compass's envisioned optical data relay service with Airbus's extensive operational know-how in Earth observation data, cultivated over many years. This aims to complement the limitations of conventional radio frequency (RF) communication and deliver Earth observation data more rapidly.
Furthermore, both companies will explore the possibilities of applying optical communication and optical data relay services to new areas, including connectivity for aircraft. All initiatives based on this MOU are currently in the study phase and are expected to be concretized based on future technical evaluations and discussions/agreements between both companies.
The signing ceremony for this MOU was attended by representatives of space policy and research institutions from both Japan and France, serving as an opportunity to once again demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in the space sector.
**Comment from Hiromi Komatsu (Representative Director Co-CEO, Space Compass)**
"We are pleased to proceed with discussions for realizing optical communication and Earth observation solutions in cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space. Through this initiative, we will promote the real-time utilization of Earth observation."
**Comment from Eric Even (Head of Airbus Space Digital, Airbus Defence and Space)**
"Space Compass is a partner with rich expertise in infrastructure utilizing optical communication technology. By further strengthening this relationship, we aim to accelerate the practical application of the technology we have pioneered and deliver necessary information to the ground at the required time."
**About Space Compass Inc.**
Space Compass Inc. is a joint venture established by NTT Corporation and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (Representative Directors Co-CEO: Hiromi Komatsu, Shigehiro Hori). We aim to realize a sustainable society by building a space-integrated computing network. As the first step of this concept, we are working on businesses and services such as Space Data Center (large-capacity communication and computing infrastructure in space) and Space RAN (communication infrastructure for Beyond5G/6G). Going forward, we aim to further strengthen our services by utilizing innovative technologies such as IOWN. https://space-compass.com
This release is one of the initiatives of the space business brand "NTT C89" developed by NTT Group companies, etc., and SKY Perfect JSAT's space business brand "JSAT".
https://group.ntt/jp/aerospace
https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/jsat
Based on this MOU, both companies will examine how optical data relay technology, which enables high-speed, high-capacity, and quasi-real-time communication, can contribute to the rapidly increasing demand in the Earth observation field.
**Towards Real-time Earth Observation Data / Exploring the Possibilities of Next-Generation Connectivity**
This study will verify the potential for creating new added value in the utilization of Earth observation data by combining Space Compass's envisioned optical data relay service with Airbus's extensive operational know-how in Earth observation data, cultivated over many years. This aims to complement the limitations of conventional radio frequency (RF) communication and deliver Earth observation data more rapidly.
Furthermore, both companies will explore the possibilities of applying optical communication and optical data relay services to new areas, including connectivity for aircraft. All initiatives based on this MOU are currently in the study phase and are expected to be concretized based on future technical evaluations and discussions/agreements between both companies.
The signing ceremony for this MOU was attended by representatives of space policy and research institutions from both Japan and France, serving as an opportunity to once again demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in the space sector.
**Comment from Hiromi Komatsu (Representative Director Co-CEO, Space Compass)**
"We are pleased to proceed with discussions for realizing optical communication and Earth observation solutions in cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space. Through this initiative, we will promote the real-time utilization of Earth observation."
**Comment from Eric Even (Head of Airbus Space Digital, Airbus Defence and Space)**
"Space Compass is a partner with rich expertise in infrastructure utilizing optical communication technology. By further strengthening this relationship, we aim to accelerate the practical application of the technology we have pioneered and deliver necessary information to the ground at the required time."
**About Space Compass Inc.**
Space Compass Inc. is a joint venture established by NTT Corporation and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (Representative Directors Co-CEO: Hiromi Komatsu, Shigehiro Hori). We aim to realize a sustainable society by building a space-integrated computing network. As the first step of this concept, we are working on businesses and services such as Space Data Center (large-capacity communication and computing infrastructure in space) and Space RAN (communication infrastructure for Beyond5G/6G). Going forward, we aim to further strengthen our services by utilizing innovative technologies such as IOWN. https://space-compass.com
This release is one of the initiatives of the space business brand "NTT C89" developed by NTT Group companies, etc., and SKY Perfect JSAT's space business brand "JSAT".
https://group.ntt/jp/aerospace
https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/jsat