Laser communication in space, a solution for fast and secure communication

Is it possible to send data from a small satellite to Earth not by radio signals, but by laser light? That's the question the Dutch instrument SmallCAT is going to answer. SmallCAT is an innovative optical instrument developed by TNO and Hyperion that will fly on the Norwegian satellite NorSat-TD. The instrument was delivered at the end of May to be mounted on the satellite, with the launch scheduled for early 2023.