For the first time, Astrolight will demonstrate its new-gen ATLAS-2 optical terminal in orbit under the European Commission’s CASSINI programme. The mission will test space-to-space laser links designed for faster, on-demand connectivity to further strengthen national and civil security in space.
The European Commission (EC) has selected an optical terminal ATLAS-2 for an In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) mission under its CASSINI programme. The terminal was developed by Astrolight, a Lithuanian company that builds laser communication systems for secure links in space and on the ground.
ATLAS-2 is an evolution of Astrolight’s earlier terminal, ATLAS-1, which provided secure space-to-Earth laser-based links. Now, ATLAS-2 expands its capabilities by adding space-to-space communication alongside space-to-ground links. The demonstration will take place on board a satellite provided by Kongsberg NanoAvionics.
“This mission is a huge step for space connectivity,” said Laurynas Mačiulis, CEO of Astrolight. “ATLAS-2 makes it possible for satellites to communicate both directly and with ground stations as intermediaries. This allows real-time connectivity between spacecraft, crucial for national security and civil uses like disaster response, where every second counts.”
When using ground stations, continuous connectivity is challenging to maintain, Mačiulis explains. As satellites are constantly moving, they periodically lose sight of one ground station and must connect to the next one in view. However, the coverage of the stations is limited: they can only be built on suitable land and with access to power. On top of the geographic limits, operators face availability constraints and often need to negotiate access to foreign or commercial sites.
ATLAS-2 overcomes these issues by combining space-to-space and space-to-Earth laser links in one terminal. This dual capability gives operators a single, secure solution for continuous, real-time connectivity, enabling fast data relay to decision makers and leveraging space communication infrastructure built by Canadian and European players. An example of such infrastructure is the Kepler Network, a real-time optical backbone that links satellites together and to Earth.
“Aside from that, we’re huge advocates of space decentralization. You know what happens when everything gets in one hand, and we can’t risk it with our national security and safety,” Mačiulis noted. “ATLAS-2 provides a long-needed choice.”
Beyond faster data transmission and decentralization, the terminal enhances the security of links by using laser communication rather than traditional radio frequencies.
“Radio frequency-based communication is inherently less secure, slower, and increasingly prone to signal congestion and interference,” explained Mačiulis. “Laser links are immune to jamming because their narrow, focused beams give little opportunity for interference.”
To bring its advantages into practice, ATLAS-2 complies with European Standards for Optical Links, which also cover alignment with U.S. Space Development Agency protocols. This allows the system to work with both European and U.S. optical satellite networks.
The CASSINI programme, funded by the EC, provides support for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises in the European space sector. Through initiatives such as IOD/IOV missions, the programme helps companies to test and validate technologies in space and contributes to the development of Europe’s space industry.
Earlier this year, Astrolight’s optical ground station HERMES was named one of the winners of the CASSINI Challenges Product Track, receiving an award in recognition of its contribution to secure optical communications. On top of the development of ATLAS-2, HERMES will already be installed and tested with the first customers within the next year.
“We are glad to be demonstrating and validating our technologies alongside European Commission programs, especially during the difficult times that the EU is currently facing. With this project, we will streamline the integration of space-to-space communication, showcasing how it could support national security for a future that’s safe for all of us,” Mačiulis said.