PARIS\u00a0\u2014\u00a0A space-based laser communication system fitted onboard the European Data Relay System (EDRS)-A satellite payload is due to be launched Jan. 27, offering commercial and military operators a secure and high-capacity data transmitter, European Space Agency officials and Airbus Defence & Space executives said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A <\/span>The laser technology offers “volume and velocity,” said Magali Vaissiere, an ESA director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The laser communication terminal, built by Tesat Spacecom, an Airbus DS unit, will allow aircraft and drones to transmit pictures, video and data by laser rather than radio. A laser beam offers security and stealth from hackers, an Airbus DS spokesman said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Airbus DS, as prime contractor in a public-private partnership with the ESA, funded a third of the EDRS program during a over <\/span>three- to four-years<\/span> period, said Evert Dudok, head of communications, intelligence and & <\/span>security at the Airbus unit. The program had a total budget of almost \u20ac500 million (US $556\u00a0million), and was backed the European Commission as the anchor client, with Germany backing the program through the DLR space administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An Airbus A330 multirole tanker transport aircraft is due to fly the laser terminal this summer as a test for military aircraft and drones, Dudok said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n