Developing efficient, reliable, and secure communication infrastructure both in space and on Earth is one of today’s key technological challenges. An important step toward addressing this challenge is being taken by Lithuanian space and defence company Astrolight, which develops advanced optical communication solutions. Together with international partners, the company is participating in the European Space Agency (ESA) project HydRON (High-throughput Optical Network), aimed at establishing robust optical communication links between Earth and space.
Towards next-generation communication infrastructure
The total value of the project is €18.5 million, with €2.2 million allocated to Astrolight. This is the largest ESA project in Lithuania’s history involving Lithuanian companies, and currently the most significant ESA-funded investment awarded to a Lithuanian space sector company.
The project is led by Canadian satellite communications company Kepler Communications, which operates the first commercial optical data relay network in space. Astrolight contributes to the project by providing its next-generation laser communication terminal ATLAS-X, which will be tested in orbit as an independent network user. The terminal will enable high-speed, secure optical communication links between satellites and between space and Earth.
“The HydRON project aims to develop and demonstrate a next-generation optical communications network in space, enabling ultra-fast, fiber-like data transmission and contributing to the resilience and security of Europe’s communication infrastructure,” says Laurynas Mačiulis, co-founder and CEO of Astrolight.
Advanced technology opening pathways to space
During the HydRON project, Astrolight’s laser communication terminal will be deployed in orbit and operate as a data transmission node, enabling Kepler to connect with other network links. Both inter-satellite and space-to-Earth connections will be tested as part of the project.
“As space becomes an increasingly important domain for critical infrastructure – impacting telecommunications, national security, and future concepts such as orbital data centres – the demand for optical communications will continue to grow. Collaboration with Kepler and other partners in the HydRON project brings us closer to enabling next-generation optical networks for secure and high-speed data transmission,” adds L. Mačiulis.
Astrolight’s ATLAS-X terminals are well suited for such missions due to their compact size, low weight, and energy efficiency. These operationally flexible terminals can be deployed using various spacecraft platforms. ATLAS-X also fully complies with ESA standards for communication speed and interoperability.
Space as a field of new opportunities
The HydRON project is part of ESA’s ScyLight programme, which focuses on developing optical and quantum technologies for advanced satellite communications. In Lithuania, Astrolight is supported in securing this funding by the Innovation Agency’s Space Hub initiative.
According to Eglė Elena Šataitė, Head of Space Hub, the participation of Lithuanian companies in high-level international projects demonstrates the growing potential of Lithuania’s space sector and its ability to develop solutions aligned with European technological and strategic priorities.
“Astrolight’s participation in the HydRON project is no coincidence. It reflects the company’s ability to develop innovations that meet current market needs, backed by strong competencies and established trust. Projects like this are increasingly positioning Lithuania among Europe’s space nations and opening new opportunities for sector growth and high-value creation,” says E. E. Šataitė.