ESA advances HydRON project for next-generation space communications

ESA advances HydRON project for next-generation space communications
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Feb 16, 2025

The European Space Agency (ESA) has taken a significant step in advancing space-based optical communications by signing a contract with Thales Alenia Space to develop Element #2 of the High-throughput Digital and Optical Network (HydRON). This initiative aims to deploy an advanced laser satellite system that will revolutionize data transmission across space. The newly planned satellite collector in low Earth orbit (LEO) will facilitate seamless connectivity between different orbital layers through cutting-edge optical communication technologies.

Laser communication is poised to reshape space-based data exchange just as fibre optics transformed terrestrial internet speeds. Conventional radio-frequency transmission is increasingly unable to keep pace with the data demands of modern satellites. HydRON's adoption of laser-based communications will significantly enhance both speed and security while reducing operational costs.

This latest development, led by Thales Alenia Space in Italy, builds on Element #1 of HydRON, a network of ten LEO satellites developed with Kepler Communications and announced last October. Together, these elements will establish a robust space communications infrastructure, linking satellites across multiple orbital levels - from LEO to geostationary orbit - and integrating with ground stations via laser technology.

Developing Element #2

As part of the newly signed contract, Thales Alenia Space will create a satellite collector in LEO equipped with state-of-the-art laser communication terminals. Acting as a critical relay hub, this satellite will receive data from various spacecraft and efficiently transmit it either to Earth or to satellites in higher orbits. This component will bolster global coverage, increase data throughput, and lower transmission costs, making space-based communication more efficient.

The HydRON initiative draws on expertise from multiple European partners. Thales Alenia Space leads development and provides the onboard packet router, the system's 'brain' responsible for directing data traffic. Mynaric contributes high-performance optical communication terminals, while the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Officina Stellare are developing fixed and mobile optical ground stations. The HydRON Control Centre is being established by Telespazio with support from Thales (Romania), and Mbryonics is supplying optical testbed facilities to ensure operational reliability.

"Signing this contract with Thales Alenia Space marks a crucial milestone in establishing Europe's first optical communication network in space," said Laurent Jaffart, ESA's Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. "HydRON will reinforce Europe and Canada's leadership in optical communications and strengthen our collaboration with international partners through an interoperable system."

"We are proud to contribute to Europe's independence in space-based connectivity services," said Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO and Senior Vice President for Observation, Exploration, and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space. "The HydRON Demonstration System will play a vital role in proving the reliability and effectiveness of high-throughput optical networks in space, paving the way for future commercial optical communications both in Europe and beyond."