• Thales Alenia Space will develop the world’s first all-optical, multi-orbit optical space communication network
• ESA’s HydRON project will meet the challenge of bringing connectivity to multiple users to showcase the capabilities of optical communication technology
• The company will leverage its expertise to contribute to Europe’s technological independence in connectivity services through space.

Cannes, February 14, 2025 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for Element #2 of the HydRON (High-thRoughput Optical space Network) Demonstration System (DS) for the design, development, deployment and in-orbit demonstration of a full end-to-end optical system to verify and validate the world’s first all-optical, high-data-rate, multi-orbit transport network in space.

HydRON is set to transform the way data-collecting satellites communicate, using laser technology that will allow satellites to connect with each other and ground networks much faster.By enabling rapid, high-capacity connections between satellites and ground networks, HydRON will significantly enhance our ability to collect and utilize data from space.