Photonics is critical to AI, with data centers the primary driver of business in 2026. The vast amounts of data require ultrafast, high-bandwidth transmission, or else face the bottlenecks presented by traditional copper.
However, photonics is good for more than just AI, and space is the place where it is needed most. Photonics is viewed as absolutely critical for the development and commercialization of space, as it enables not only the ultra-fast communication required, but also is low-weight and smaller in size, enabling lighter craft and larger payloads, is naturally resistant to interference, and is useful for remote sensing. Remote sensing has many applications, among them the maneuvering and docking of ultra-expensive spacecraft and stations on track for construction in upcoming years.
