This article looks at a major partnership between Hellas Sat, CNES, Thales Alenia Space, and Safran. They’re working together to build a next‑generation optical communications system for the Hellas Sat 5 geostationary satellite and a new ground station in Cyprus.
The goal? Deliver ultra‑high throughput laser links, experiment with atmospheric free‑space optical communications, and boost Europe’s strategic autonomy using secure, high‑capacity GEO links.
Framework cooperation to advance free-space optical communications
Thales Alenia Space’s SOLiS system sits at the heart of this plan, with an onboard optical payload. Safran’s prototype CyOGS ground station, soon to be installed at Hellas Sat’s Cypriot teleport, will complement it.
This CyOGS pilot will connect with CNES’s FROGS facility at the Côte d’Azur Observatory. Together, they’ll demonstrate high‑rate laser communications through the atmosphere.
The project’s aiming for data rates close to one terabit per second by using multiple wavelengths. It’s a pretty bold move to show what geostationary free‑space optical services might offer in real‑world settings.
This whole thing ties into France 2030 and CNES strategic programs. The bigger picture? They want robust, secure, and scalable space‑to‑ground links.
Core technologies and system design
The SOLiS payload on Hellas Sat 5 and the CyOGS ground station prototype offer a turnkey approach to GEO free‑space optics. They’re designed for high throughput and strong resilience.
By running demonstrations through the atmosphere, the team will validate multi‑wavelength operation and the full end‑to‑end performance of space‑ground optical links.
- SOLiS onboard optical payload enables high‑throughput GEO free‑space links for Hellas Sat 5
- CyOGS ground station prototype will be installed at Hellas Sat’s Cypriot teleport for testing and validation
- FROGS interoperability with CNES’s Côte d’Azur facility lets them test atmospheric laser communications
- Terabit‑class data rates come from multiple wavelengths and advanced modulation techniques
- Secure and resilient links designed for governmental, defense, and commercial use
Strategic significance for Europe
Proponents say free‑space optical links could cut down the number of satellites needed in orbit. That would ease space and spectral congestion and allow continuous, intercontinental data transfers from geostationary platforms.
This approach promises ultra‑high throughput and better security and resilience. It lines up with Europe’s goal for secure, autonomous connectivity for critical networks.
Consortium scope and partners
Thales Alenia Space leads the initiative, joined by Safran, Bertin, Exail, Keopsys (Lumibird), and a network of SMEs and research groups. The ecosystem draws from CNES‑backed projects like Co‑Op and DYSCO and links with the EU’s VERTIGO work to advance free‑space optical services for Europe.
- Hellas Sat hosts the Hellas Sat 5 platform and Cyprus ground station
- CNES coordinates national and European FSOC initiatives and France 2030 alignment
- France 2030 funds and steers long‑term space and optical communications strategy
- Thales Alenia Space acts as system integrator and SOLiS payload supplier
- Safran delivers the CyOGS ground station prototype
Roadmap, milestones and regional commitment
They signed the framework agreement at the Battlefield Redefined 2026 conference in Nicosia. This move signals shared political and strategic commitment from Greece, Cyprus, and France to push the program forward.
The project aims to offer a resilient alternative—or maybe a complement—to terrestrial and subsea fiber, supporting critical governmental, defense, and commercial communications. By reducing satellite needs and improving intercontinental data transfer, Europe’s looking to secure its connectivity and keep its edge in space communications.
What this could mean for the future of space communications
If the Hellas Sat 5/ CyOGS/ SOLiS program succeeds, it could totally change how we move data across continents through space. Imagine continuous, high‑capacity links from GEO—plus, it could free up spectrum and help cut down on orbital congestion.
This whole thing highlights a bigger trend toward building sovereign, secure, and resilient space infrastructure for Europe. It’s not just about technology—it’s about making sure Europe stays in control.
Here is the source article for this story: France, Cyprus and Greece Partner to Develop Next-Generation Satellite Optical Communications Technologies