Beyond the Earth
Our MatchBox 405 nm SLM laser has officially entered orbit, proving its reliability in one of the most demanding environments imaginable. Launched on June 24th aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 (Transporter-14), it became fully operational as part of a quantum computing experiment led by the University of Vienna. We designed the MatchBox platform for precision, resilience, and stability. It delivers clean, consistent output and spectrum even under extreme conditions such as microgravity, vast temperature fluctuations, and space radiation.
Its ultra-compact footprint makes it ideal for aerospace and satellite applications, where every cubic centimeter counts. We engineered the MatchBox to survive launch shock, operate under vacuum, and maintain thermal stability—without the need for bulky housings. On opposite - our composite material housing designed for this application experience much less stress and linear distortions, compared to much bigger counterparts in aluminum housings.
This milestone in space confirms what many of our customers already know: when size, efficiency, and endurance matter, MatchBox delivers. Designed, built, and now space-validated by Integrated Optics. Ready for your next mission.
Key Facts
Wide operating range
Works reliably in temperature range from 0°C to 50°C or wider.
Vibration/Shock resistance
Withstands up to 80G shock – ideal for space launch with different launchers.
Space-Qualified
Used in space missions and harsh-environment applications.Mass-production Consistency
Our robotic assembly ensures consistency and mass-production readiness.
SWAP design
The Machbox is only 30x50x18 mm^3 – fits the tightest spaces.
Lightweight
Weighs only 120 g - ideal for applications where every gram counts.Production Consistency
Our in-house processes are optimized for consistent production, allowing us to match optical and thermal parameters across units - batch after batch. This level of repeatability is critical for space programs, where reliability isn’t just expected, it’s engineered into every component from the start.
Efficient Thermal Management
Our lasers feature integrated TEC cooling for precise temperature control, ensuring stable performance under varying thermal conditions without bulky external cooling systems. This compact design is ideal for space and aerospace environments.
Our History in Space
Since its founding in 2012, Integrated Optics has steadily grown from a compact laser developer to a contributor in space technology. What began as a vision to miniaturize lab lasers evolved into years of collaboration with scientific institutions and aerospace teams.
Through collaboration with leading research institutions, our lasers have transitioned from controlled lab settings to active roles in orbital experiments. We don’t just bring laser technology to life on Earth, we bring it to action beyond it.
Ready to Collaborate?
You are welcome to reach out to us regarding following topics:
- ◘ Rugged versions of our standard lasers
- ◘ Development/production of custom laser sources
- ◘ Development/production of miniaturized optical assemblies
- ◘ Joint projects/missions
IO Joins the MiLi Project developing miniaturized LIDAR for Mars atmospheric research.
MatchBox becomes the first Lithuanian laser to operate in space.
ESA awards IO with a €0.6M contract to develop miniaturized versions of quantum sources - an Entangled Photon Source (EPS) and Faint Pulse Source (FPS).
IO laser set for Mars atmospheric exploration with miniaturized LIDAR