Airbus and TNO demonstrate secure laser link between aircraft and satellite

The campaign delivered 31 successful links with closed loop tracking, each 6–14 minutes and generating hours of telemetry. Seven tests sent data at 2.6 Gbps for several minutes with zero bit errors. This first public demonstration marks a key step toward commercial laser communication for aviation and space.

Why laser communication matters

Current satellite communication relies on radio frequency (RF) bands, which lack the bandwith and security demanded by today’s data volumes. Laser based optical links can transfer terabytes in seconds rather than hours, and their tightly focused beams are inherently harder to jam or intercept, a critical advantage for military operations. With this technology, aircraft and UAVs can securely and rapidly exchange large datasets via multi orbit satellite constellations, strengthening mission flexibility and information security.

‘Establishing laser links between moving targets at this distance is technically very challenging. Continuous movements, platform vibrations and atmospheric disturbances require extreme precision’, said François Lombard, Head of Connected Intelligence at Airbus Defence and Space. ‘This milestone is a further development of our long successful laser communication history; it opens the door to a new era of laser satellite communications to meet defence and commercial needs in the next decades.’

European leadership and next steps

This achievement provides clear proof that secure, high speed communication from air to space is feasible today, reinforcing European and Dutch competitiveness. It opens the door to global data links that are faster, more efficient and more secure, supporting mission critical military operations and enabling high speed in flight internet for passengers.

‘This breakthrough proves that European industry delivers technology with strategic global impact,’ says Kees Buijsrogge, Director of Space at TNO. ‘Secure laser communication is essential for both defense operations and civil connectivity. By leading in this field, we strengthen Europe’s security and its autonomy.’

Transmitting a laser beam over 36,000 kilometres, through the atmosphere, and between two moving objects is a formidable challenge. The beam must remain stable despite continuous motion and compensate for vibrations and atmospheric disturbances. TNO developed the optical, mechanical, and control technology needed to achieve this precision and maintain connectivity with Airbus’ SpaceDataHighway (EDRS) constellation of satellites.

UltraAir and European autonomy

Airbus leads the project and integrates the terminal into the aircraft, while TNO provides critical optical and control technologies. Together with other partners we are working on miniaturizing the terminal for broader deployment. Beyond aircraft-to-satellite links, this technology could enable secure laser communication for ships, vehicles, and commercial high-speed internet from the air.
UltraAir is a cornerstone of ESA’s European initiative to mature optical satellite communication, accelerating the transition from demonstration to operational use with strong involvement from Dutch industry.

The project was co-financed by Airbus, TNO, the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) as well as the German Aerospace Center (DLR).