---
title: "BOLT"
description: "Beamed Optical Light Transmission"
---

# BOLT

Date: 2026-05-29

Beamed Optical Light Transmission

Flying on rexus

## The Mission

BOLT is a payload experiment and will be launched on REXUS 37 next March, reasearching Li-Fi subsystem communication for space applications.

![](/images/missions/bolt/bolt-patch.svg) ![](/images/missions/bolt/Rexus_Bexus_Logo_hu_d969abe84d160ae0.webp)

## The Experiments

BOLT explores Li-Fi for intra-satellite communication: a free-space optical link beaming data between subsystems without radio interference. The mission subjects the hardware to the same shocks, cold starts and potential faults we expect in orbit, giving us a realistic playbook for future payloads.

Building on the research of project [SatelLight](https://www3.tuhh.de/e-exk3/Research/SatelLight/), we are part of the [REXUS/BEXUS](https://rexusbexus.net/) Programme, participating in the REXUS 37/38 campaign and flying on REXUS 37. It pushes light-based communications through launch loads and microgravity, helping us map out how optical links behave when the stakes - and the vibrations - are high.

![Render of the BOLT payload for REXUS](/images/missions/bolt/rx-payload-render.png)

Payload design

## LiFi experiments on the REXUS payload bus

- **The Bus:** data collection and ground communications through our custom **B**ifröst **T**est**C**ontroller
- **Experiment 1:** Space Disco examines the effects of atmospheric scattering and absorption on RGB-LiFi implementation
- **Experiment 2:** Bouncy Castle tests the error resistance of LiFi against the temporary blockage of the optical path
- **Experiment 3:** Floaty Boi implements a mostly isolated sensor, which studies the feasibility of combined power- and data transfer using LiFi.

Overall, we hope that BOLT will stress test the LiFi research from the Smart Sensors Group in a near-space environment and help raise the technology’s Technology Readiness Level.

Mission in Progress

## Timeline Milestones

Summer 2026

### Hardware Integration

Prototype LiFi modules, power systems, and data handling boards assembled for full-stack bench testing.

Fall 2026

### Environmental Trials

Vibration, thermal, and EMI tests gauge how the optical link survives launch stress and noisy avionics.

Winter 2026

### Campaign Rehearsals

Ground-console procedures, uplink scripts, and data review pipelines drilled to match the REXUS timeline.

Spring 2027

### Flight & Debriefs

Launch, recover, and analyze every packet to tune optical comms for the next-generation CubeSat missions.

## What is REXUS?

Rocket Experiments for University Students

The REXUS/BEXUS programme is realised under a bilateral Agency Agreement between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA). The Swedish share of the payload has been made available to students from other European countries through a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). EuroLaunch, a cooperation between the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) and the Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) of DLR, is responsible for the campaign management and operations of the launch vehicles. Experts from DLR, SSC, ZARM and ESA provide technical support to the student teams throughout the project. REXUS and BEXUS are launched from SSC, Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden.

![DLR Logo](/images/missions/bolt/light/DLR_hu_7878be5e7bd7984b.webp) ![DLR Logo](/images/missions/bolt/dark/DLR_hu_c6573577daa95c99.webp) ![Rymdstyrelsen Logo](/images/missions/bolt/light/RS_hu_81af3c90fe73570e.webp) ![Rymdstyrelsen Logo](/images/missions/bolt/dark/RS_hu_7bf04e08d82b514a.webp) ![ESA Logo](/images/missions/bolt/light/ESA_hu_98c2c4e1cc310f9a.webp) ![ESA Logo](/images/missions/bolt/dark/ESA_hu_c65408704cb8a78c.webp)

Work with us

## Meet the Team

BOLT is realized by the orbital division of the Hamburg Space Team. Interested in learning more? Reach out!

[BOLT Team members](/team/?year=2026&mission=bolt) [Join the team](/join/) [Support us](/supporters/)