Marble Imaging and Reflex Aerospace partner on satellite laser downlink mission

On October 21, 2026, Earth observation operator Marble Imaging, satellite manufacturer Reflex Aerospace, and optical communications specialist Odysseus Space announced a joint satellite mission, SatNews reported. The uncrewed spacecraft, named Morgana, will carry an optical communications terminal to test space-to-ground laser downlinks aboard the Marble Sat-1 satellite. [1]

According to SatNews, the satellite is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2027. The mission aims to use optical downlink technology to overcome conventional radio-frequency throughput limits, which create delivery delays as high-resolution Earth observation payloads produce large data volumes. [1]

Satellite Today reported that German startup Reflex Aerospace also secured a minority investment from Nvidia during the Invest in Germany Summit. Reflex Aerospace stated that this funding will support the expansion of its production facilities in Bavaria and advance its satellite platform architecture. [2]

Artificial satellites operate as part of broader systems that include spacecraft buses, scientific payloads, ground segments, and launch vehicles. The Morgana mission intends to use its space-to-ground laser terminal to accelerate data delivery for European Earth observation services. [1][6]