Canada’s Galaxia Mission Systems has signed a strategic partnership with U.S.-based Apolink Communications to demonstrate hybrid optical and radio-frequency inter-satellite link (ISL) technology on a future spacecraft scheduled for launch in 2027.
Under the agreement, Apolink’s communications system will be tested aboard a Galaxia satellite operating in sun-synchronous orbit, a configuration commonly used for Earth observation and scientific missions. The demonstration aims to validate real-time relay capabilities between satellites without relying solely on ground stations.
Lucas Rowlands, vice president of mission operations at Galaxia, said integrating the relay capability directly into the company’s MissionOne service platform will enhance data transfer flexibility and mission responsiveness.
“This partnership allows us to integrate inter-satellite relay capability directly into a MissionOne flight mission,” Rowlands said, adding that the system could improve uptime and data delivery throughout the mission lifecycle.
Apolink is developing a constellation of relay satellites designed to provide continuous connectivity for commercial, scientific and government users. Its hybrid optical-RF approach combines high-bandwidth laser communications with more robust radio-frequency links, enabling reliable data transfer under varying conditions.
“Working with Galaxia allows us to demonstrate our ISL capabilities on an international platform while strengthening ties between the U.S. and Canadian space ecosystems,” said Apolink Chief Executive Onkar Batra.
The collaboration will include joint work on mission definition, system design and communications link development. Galaxia said its onboard transceivers are expected to be interoperable with Apolink’s future relay network.
Galaxia previously launched its first satellite, MÖBIUS-1, in June 2025. The new demonstration mission represents the next step in expanding its end-to-end MissionOne offering, which provides integrated services from spacecraft development to mission operations.
