JAXA Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center (commonly called "Exploration Hub") program is a joint study framework in which JAXA and outside organizations conduct joint research on new technologies that are useful for space exploration. One example of the program is the Small Optical Link for International Space Station (SOLISS) jointly developed　by JAXA and Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc. (Sony CSL). The SOLISS system employs the "optical disk technology" that Sony has cultivated and used in CD players and other devices to conduct laser communication between satellites and between a satellite and a ground station. The epoch-making point of the system is that it cannot only be used in ultra-high speed data communication and real-time mass-data communication in the space, but also can become a high-speed internet network on the ground as an alternative to optical fiber. IWAMOTO Kyohei, who acted as the project leader with Sony CSL, said, "Speed of light at laser communication in the space is 1.5 times faster than optical fiber communication."

In March 2020, we succeeded in the experiment of transmitting high-definition (HD) image data from the SOLISS installed in the ISS to the ground station. Looking back at the experiment, IWATOMO said, "Through the test, it was found that consumer ground technologies that had been considered inappropriate for the space so far can be sufficiently useful. This will give a supportive push forward to companies that aim to enter the space industry."

On the other hand, SAWADA Hirotaka, who took charge of development on the side of the Exploration Hub, said, "To keep to the schedule and control costs while ensuring the performance that endures the harsh space environment, we need not only to utilize textbook development methods, but also to devise various ways in design and test. We had a hard time until we could share that balance, but I think a very good team was created."

This research project received the Prime Minister Award at the Fourth Space Exploitation Prize. It was also the first case that realized a space demonstration among joint research projects under the Exploration Hub program. "I think we demonstrated that the direction that the Exploration Hub aims at is correct by realizing a space demonstration in a short period of time," said SAWADA. It is expected that this success will strengthen other joint research teams' motivation.

For the details of the experiment results, click here:
https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2020/04/20200423-1_e.html
https://www.sony.net/brand/stories/en/our/products_services/soliss/