ESA selects TNO to explore laser satellite technology for the Low-LEO layer of Europe’s IRIS² network

The study belongs to the Consolidation Phase of the IRIS² Low-LEO Pre-operational and De-risking Activities, part of ESA's Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity.

De-risking photonic chip technology

Under the initiative, TNO will lead the system design, validate technical feasibility, and resolve critical risks early with the support of FSO Instruments. By de-risking this light-based technology, the study lays the groundwork for a future in-orbit demonstration, bringing next-generation optical terminals closer to operational space deployment.

Secure, dual-use space connectivity

Laser satellite communications enable secure, high-capacity, and interference-free data transfer across space networks. Because optical links offer clear dual-use benefits, they can serve commercial infrastructure and environmental monitoring as effectively as sensitive governmental communications. This capability directly underpins Europe’s broader push for technological sovereignty and resilient connectivity.

Positioning the Dutch high-tech ecosystem

Supported by the Netherlands Space Agency (NLSA), the study also positions the Dutch high-tech and photonics ecosystems to play a central role in manufacturing and supplying critical hardware for upcoming IRIS² rollout phases.

About ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity

Under the overall responsibility of the European Commission, IRIS² is a bold endeavour to build a space-based secure and resilient connectivity network that elevates Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness, where and when it matters most. ESA acts on behalf of the European Commission as the qualification and validation authority for the governmental infrastructure of the Union Secure Connectivity Programme. It manages development and validation contracts supporting the initial space and ground segments, verifies end-to-end system, service, and security performance against EC requirements, and coordinates these activities with ESA’s own programme.

Within this programme, the IRIS² Low-LEO Pre-Operational and De-Risk Activities components provide a rapid and recurrent mechanism for validating potential new governmental services and associated mission concepts in orbit up to a pre-operational level, subject to successful maturation and later programme level decisions of integration into the operational EU IRIS² baseline.

Ultimately, these activities aim at contributing to the continued evolution and enhancement of IRIS2  services and capabilities, supporting Europe’s long-term leadership in space in an ever-changing world.