This Telescope is for Lasers - Baader Planetarium at SPIE Astro 2026

Why would you design a telescope specifically for lasers? At SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation 2026, I spoke with Johannes Baader from Baader Planetarium about the company’s new BAADER APO 95/580 CaF2 SWIR LaserCOM Refractor. Unlike a conventional amateur astronomy telescope, this specialized refractor is designed for optical communication, precision measurement, and short-wave infrared applications. Johannes explains why laser communication systems need dedicated telescope optics, how the refractor differs from a normal imaging telescope, and where this technology could be used in satellite communication and professional optical ground stations. This is a quick look at how familiar telescope technology is being adapted for an entirely different purpose: transmitting and receiving information using laser light. Recorded at SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation 2026 in Copenhagen. #BaaderPlanetarium #LaserCommunication #SPIEAstro2026 Get your Cosmic Curiosity Merch or Cosmic Field Guide here: 👉 https://deepspacebooks.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @cosmic_curiosity   #astrophotography #tutorial #cosmiccuriosity *** SOCOAL LINKS *** Got questions or just want to chat? Join our Discord community. 👉 https://discord.cosmiccuriosity.info Remember to subscribe for more videos 👉   / @cosmic_curiosity   *** SPONSORED LINKS *** Looking to upgrade your Astro gear? Astroshop.eu is the best place to shop. 👉https://astroshop.cosmiccuriosity.info ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------