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https://t.co/PiJJG1ABK4 Overview of Space-Based Laser Communication Missions and Payloads: Insights from the Autonomous Laser Inter-Satellite Gigabit Network (ALIGN) Abstract This paper examines the growing adoption of laser communication (lasercom) in space missions and payloads for identifying emerging trends and key technology drivers of future optical communications satellite systems. It also presents a comprehensive overview of commercially available and custom-designed lasercom terminals, outlining their characteristics and specifications to meet the evolving demands of global satellite networks. The analysis explores the technical considerations and challenges associated with integrating lasercom terminals into LEO constellations and the Inter-satellite communications service provision in LEO due to their power, size, and weight constraints. By analyzing advancements in CubeSat lasercom technology designed to cater for the emergence of future mega constellations of interacting small satellites, the paper underscores its promising role in establishing high-performance satellite communication networks for future space exploration and data transmission. In addition, a brief overview of our ALIGN planned mission is provided, which highlights the main key operational features in terms of PAT and link budget analysis. keywords: free-space optical communication; satellites; low-earth orbit; geostationary orbit (free space optical in the keywords cause that's what it is) Free-space optical (FSO) communication emerges as a subset of optical communication technology that is used to address the growing demand for high-speed data transmission in space applications. FSO, with its inherent advantages of large capacity, low detection likelihood, and minimal interception risk, provides an alternative solution to standard RF communication. It may also contribute to the deployment requirements of mega-constellations composed of multiple small-to-medium-sized satellites, thereby mitigating the issues related to spectrum congestion in RF communication [4]. The global space-based laser communication market, mostly commercial applications, is expected to reach USD 5 billion by 2031, i.e., a growth of about 26% per year since 2022 [5]. FSO links can be established between fixed or dynamic point-to-point systems or in interconnections between satellites, aircraft, maritime vessels, and ground terminals (stationary and mobile).