MilestoneApr 15, 2026

ESA begins next phase of 'fibre in the sky' optical communications project with Canada

References

ESA News X · European Space Agency X · Rocket Lab

Story Brief

ESA says Kepler Communications will lead the next HydRON phase, focusing on interoperability work for the agency's planned optical communications network.

Useful if it marks a funded step in ESA's optical relay architecture.

Watch for contract scope, hosted-payload timing, and flight-test details.

Reference Details

ESA News

Actionable data from space could be delivered in seconds in the future, thanks to progress towards the European Space Agency's (ESA) faster and more secure laser communications net

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Connectivity_and_Secure_Communications/ESA_begins_next_phase_of_fibre_in_the_sky_optical_communications_project_with_Canada

X · European Space Agency

HydRON, Europe's laser network in space, is moving ahead ⚡➡️ @KeplerComms was awarded the contract to lead HydRON’s evolution. They will ensure the optical communications system w…

https://x.com/esa/status/2044333326064914516

X · Rocket Lab

Welcome to the Rocket Lab team, Mynaric! Today we officially acquired Mynaric, adding laser optical communications to our growing space systems portfolio. A big moment for our tea…

https://x.com/RocketLab/status/2044146461517271494

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