Greece has achieved its first successful optical laser communication link with a low-Earth-orbit satellite, as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) established a connection between the Greek ERMIS-3 nanosatellite and an optical ground station on Mount Holomontas.
The achievement marks one of the first stable laser links internationally between a CubeSat nanosatellite in low Earth orbit (LEO) and a ground-based optical telescope. The system uses an infrared laser beam, a technology that can support secure, high-volume data transmission.
NKUA’s Department of Aerospace Science and Technology designed and built the ERMIS-3 nanosatellite, while AUTH’s Laboratory of Theoretical Mechanics and Astrodynamics, within its Department of Physics, developed the Holomontas Optical Ground Station in collaboration with Lithuanian company Astrolight and the European Space Agency (ESA).
The achievement also marks Greece’s first successful optical communication link with a low-orbit satellite travelling at high speed across the sky.
Laser technology delivers high-speed data transmission
The ATLAS-1 laser device aboard ERMIS-3 currently supports data transmission at speeds of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). Link-budget calculations indicate that the system could potentially support speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
Both ATLAS-1 and the Holomontas ground station received their first signals during the satellite’s first active pass over the station. By the third pass, engineers had fully calibrated both systems, enabling them to operate autonomously according to a predetermined schedule.
Since then, the satellite and ground station have regularly established two optical links per day.
Initial results demonstrate that the system can transmit data reliably during both daytime and nighttime operations, including under partial cloud cover, at low satellite elevation angles and even when clouds or trees intermittently obstruct the optical path.
The equipment received signals at elevation angles below 10 degrees above the horizon. Following calibration, link availability exceeded 85% of the available time, indicating potential for operational and commercial applications.
New opportunities for telecommunications and national security
Scientists say laser-based optical communications could enable the transmission of enormous volumes of data for 5G networks, artificial intelligence applications, inter-satellite links and highly secure government and military communications.
The technology could also support national security and defence applications by providing a highly secure alternative to conventional telecommunications. Researchers say laser communications open new possibilities for Greece to develop advanced quantum communications technologies, which remain available in only a limited number of countries.
The successful experiments strengthen cooperation between NKUA and AUTH in space technology. Astrolight developed both the satellite’s laser transmitter and the receiver at the ground station.
The experiments received support from the European Space Agency, Greece’s Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, and the Hellenic Space Centre.
Minister highlights national space programme
Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Minister Dimitris Papastergiou said Greece’s National Microsatellite Programme was turning the country’s investment in space into practical technical expertise.
“The successful optical targeting between a CubeSat and a national observatory demonstrates how Greek universities and technology companies can jointly use new infrastructure, multiplying the value of the national programme and opening pathways for the satellite communications of tomorrow,” Papastergiou said.
He added that the programme also offered young scientists and engineers valuable opportunities to gain training and practical experience with cutting-edge technologies.
Researchers highlight international significance
Professors Vaios Lappas and Antonis Paschalis of NKUA, the scientific leads of the ERMIS project, described ERMIS-3 as one of the most advanced CubeSat satellites developed in Europe.
They said the use of ATLAS-1 as a laser communications terminal had enabled a unique collaboration and the establishment of some of the first stable laser links from a nanosatellite worldwide. They added that the achievement created new opportunities for secure communications involving small satellites within the European space ecosystem.
Kleomenis Tsiganis, a professor in AUTH’s Department of Physics and the university’s lead for space situational awareness and optical ground station activities under the HolOGS programme, called the experiment a major milestone for his team and optical communications in Greece.
He emphasised the significance of establishing the link from AUTH’s Holomontas facilities with ERMIS, a satellite developed in Greece by NKUA. He also praised Astrolight’s technical expertise and contribution to the collaboration.
Frederic Rouesnel, head of ESA’s Resilience Initiatives Implementation Management Office, said the achievement demonstrated Europe’s ability to deliver world-class innovation through close cooperation between industry, academia and public institutions.
He noted that an 8U CubeSat developed by the University of Athens had connected directly with Earth through a laser link for the first time, using a compact optical terminal developed by Astrolight and a corresponding receiver at AUTH’s Holomontas ground station.
Rouesnel said ESA had provided programme management, technical oversight and support throughout the project, helping turn an ambitious concept into a pioneering demonstration of in-orbit resilience.
The ERMIS programme forms part of Greece’s National Microsatellite Programme. The European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, under NextGenerationEU, and the Ministry of Digital Governance fund the programme, with support from ESA and the Hellenic Space Centre.
A video demonstrating the ERMIS laser satellite link is available here.
(Source: AMNA)
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