OPTIMAS, the European project for cybersecure communications in free space, starts led by monodon by Navantia and in collaboration with Sener

OPTIMAS, a European project enlisting the collaboration of Sener and led by monodon by Navantia, has begun with the aim of developing an advanced free-space optical communication system for multi-domain defence applications.

This is an ambitious project that seeks to provide high-speed data transfer communications with an exceptional level of security, integrating cutting-edge encryption technologies, such as quantum key distribution (QKD).

OPTIMAS will mark a milestone in the development of airborne laser communication systems, providing secure and high-speed communications. It’s designed to operate in satellite constellations with applications for space, air (drones), naval and ground units.

The project’s final demonstrator will focus on achieving high-speed, secure, bidirectional optical communications. It will enable advanced satellite pointing, acquisition and tracking capabilities in low Earth orbits (LEO). Application in medium orbits (MEO) and geostationary orbits (GEO) will be also explored, expanding the scope and possibilities of the system.

A European consortium with Spanish leadership

OPTIMAS has a powerful European consortium made up of 12 entities from 7 countries, highlighting a strong Spanish presence with 6 organizations involved. Among these, monodon by Navantia assumes the role of project coordinator, reaffirming Spain’s leadership in advanced defence and communications technologies. Sener is in charge of the design of the Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) subsystems for both the air and space segments, as well the development of the Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) of the satellite. The company has extensive experience in this field. For example, it served as the prime contractor for the AOCS in the Euclid mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). Furthermore, in 2024, the CDTI awarded Sener the Phase 2 contract for the development of a quantum key distribution demonstrator in LEO orbit, a key step towards what could become Spain’s first QKD-LEO mission.

The project is developed within the framework of the 2023 work program of the European Defence Fund (EDF), consolidating international cooperation in technological innovation for defence.

OPTIMAS is form by:

• monodon by Navantia (Spain) as coordinator
• CAILABS (France)
• Centro de Láseres Pulsados – CLPU (Spain)
• Tecnobit-Grupo Oesía (Spain)
• GMV (Portugal)
• Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)
• MBRYONICS LIMITED (Ireland)
• ODYSSEUS Space SA (Luxemburg)
• REFLEX AEROSPACE GMBH (Germany)
• Schiebel Elektronische Geraete GmbH (Austria)
• Sener (Spain)
• Universidad de Valencia (Spain)
• Universidad de Vigo (Spain)

OPTIMAS is positioned as a key project in the advancement of cyber-secure laser communications, consolidating European collaboration and the technological leadership of Sener in the field of multi-domain defence.

Project funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.