> Because any antenna would need to be localized on a satellite for transmission, you’re going to be stuck with having to maintain (likely) expensive and precise motors who’s job it will be to run in perpetuity. However, I would be confident that stepper motors of this grade will come down in price or will become more available.
the article says they direct the laser using a MEMS device. not dissimilar to the micromirror arrays used in DLPs for decades, i would assume. you’ve definitely got options that don’t require stepper motors or any macroscopic moving parts here.