©️ JAXA Futoshi Takiguchi, Director General, Space Technology Directorate, and Masashi Wada, G&H Senior Sales Director, Asia PacificG&H Receives JAXA Letter of Appreciation for Contributions to the LUCAS Programme
June 2026 – Ilminster, United Kingdom
G&H (LON:GHH), a global leader in photonics and optical systems technology, has received a Letter of Appreciation from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in recognition of its contribution to the development and operation of the Laser Utilizing Communication System (LUCAS), a key component of Japan's Optical Data Relay Satellite programme.
The recognition was presented at a ceremony held in Tokyo, Japan, in March 2026, marking the fifth anniversary of the launch of the Optical Data Relay Satellite. The event brought together organisations involved in the satellite’s development and ongoing operation, with G&H represented by Masashi Wada, Senior Sales Director, Asia Pacific.
©️ Jaxa Certificate of AppreciationDuring the ceremony, JAXA presented a Letter of Appreciation from Futoshi Takiguchi, Director General, Space Technology Directorate I, recognising the organisations that contributed to the successful development and operation of the Optical Data Relay Satellite and LUCAS programme. JAXA expressed its gratitude for their role in advancing Japan's space communications capabilities and acknowledged the collaborative effort between industry and government partners that made the programme's success possible, while also thanking participants for their continued support in the future development and operation of the system.
G&H was recognised for its contribution of advanced fiber optic systems and photonic technologies incorporated within the LUCAS architecture. Developed by NEC Corporation in collaboration with JAXA, LUCAS is a laser communication system installed aboard the Optical Data Relay Satellite that enables high-speed data relay between geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
©️ JAXA - Laser Utilizing Communication System "LUCAS"The system supports the efficient transfer of large volumes of Earth observation and mission-critical data, providing greater bandwidth and data throughput than conventional radio frequency systems. As a result, LUCAS represents a significant advancement in satellite communications and helps meet the growing data demands of modern space missions.
G&H's technologies support the precision, stability and reliability required for high-performance optical communications in the demanding conditions of space. The successful deployment and operation of LUCAS highlight the increasingly significant role of photonics and fibre optic technologies in enabling next-generation space infrastructure.
©️ Stratos Kehayas, PhD, G&H President of Photonics"This recognition from JAXA is a testament to the expertise, dedication and innovation of the teams involved in the LUCAS programme," said Dr. Stratos Kehayas, President, Photonics Division, at G&H. "LUCAS has demonstrated the potential of optical communications to transform data transfer in space, paving the way for faster, more capable and resilient satellite networks. We are proud that G&H's photonic technologies have contributed to this achievement and remain committed to supporting the future of advanced space communications."
The recognition underscores G&H's continued commitment to delivering advanced photonic solutions for aerospace, defence, and other mission-critical applications.
Satellite Communications
Using our considerable experience in the design and manufacture of space-grade components, we develop application-specific sub-systems for laser satellite communications.
