The project seeks to advance airborne laser communication systems, enabling their integration into satellite constellations and their use across space, aerial (drones), naval, and ground units. The final demonstrator will focus on high-speed, bidirectional optical communications, featuring satellite pointing, acquisition, and tracking capabilities in low Earth orbit (LEO). The system’s potential applications in medium Earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) will also be explored.
European Collaboration with Spanish Leadership
OPTIMAS is developed under the 2023 work program of the European Defence Fund (EDF) and involves 12 entities from 7 countries, with Spain playing a central role through six participating organizations. monodon by Navantia serves as the project coordinator, leading European efforts in secure communication technologies for defence.
The consortium includes:
monodon by Navantia (Spain) – Coordinator
CAILABS (France)
Centro de Láseres Pulsados – CLPU (Spain)
TECNOBIT SLU (Spain)
GMV (Portugal)
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)
MBRYONICS LIMITED (Ireland)
ODYSSEUS Space SA (Luxembourg)
REFLEX AEROSPACE GMBH (Germany)
SCHIEBEL ELEKTRONISCHE GERAETE GMBH (Austria)
SENER (Spain)
Universidad de Valencia (Spain)
Universidad de Vigo (Spain)
OPTIMAS is positioned as a strategic initiative in cyber-secure laser communication, strengthening European cooperation and contributing to advancements in multi-domain defence communication technologies.
The project is funded by the European Union. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Spanish Ministry of Defence. The European Union and the granting authority are not responsible for the content.