OPTIMAS, a European project led by monodon by Navantia, has commenced its journey with the goal of developing an advanced free-space optical communication system for multi-domain defence applications. Mbryonics, Ltd., a key player in the field, proudly participates in this ambitious project, which aims to provide high-speed data transfer communications with an exceptional level of security.
The project will integrate cutting-edge encryption technologies, such as quantum key distribution (QKD), marking a milestone in the development of airborne laser communication systems. OPTIMAS is designed to operate in satellite constellations with applications for space, air (drones), naval, and ground units, ensuring secure and high-speed bidirectional optical communications.
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 brings together a powerful European consortium of 12 entities from 7 countries, with a strong Spanish presence involving 6 organisations. Monodon by Navantia assumes the role of project coordinator, reaffirming Spain’s leadership in advanced defence and communications technologies. Mbryonics, Ltd. is responsible for contributing their expertise in bidirectional optical communication system, including activities for a detailed study for the specific requirements for designing, prototyping, integrating and testing an optical communication system for the Air Segment of the OPTIMAS System.
OPTIMAS is developed within the framework of the 2023 work programme of the European Defence Fund (EDF), consolidating international cooperation in technological innovation for defence. The project consortium includes:
- monodon by Navantia (Spain) as coordinator
- CAILABS (France)
- Centro de Láseres Pulsados – CLPU (Spain)
- TECNOBIT SLU (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 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 Mbryonics in the field of multi-domain defence.
About Mbryonics, Ltd.
Mbryonics, a pioneering company based in Galway, specialises in building the internet in space through advanced manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing. The company focuses on developing innovative optical systems for telecommunications, Earth Observation, and science missions. With expertise in free-form optics and photonic integrated circuits, Mbryonics aims to industrialise these technologies for various space systems, including inter-satellite communications, optical feeder links, and intra-satellite communications. By partnering with leading space experts, Mbryonics is at the forefront of revolutionising secure and efficient space communications.
For more information about the company and its involvement in the OPTIMAS project, please contact:
Mbryonics, Ltd.
Heather O’Leary
Email: heather.oleary@mbryonics.com
About monodon by Navantia (consortium coordinator):
monodon is Navantia’s radical innovation area, it is focused on the research and development of “deeptech” technologies (technologies that are at very low TRL) with relevant applications for its sector. Navantia is a public and strategic technology company for the defence of Spain. It specializes in shipbuilding (ships and submarines) and offshore wind and other green energies. It is 100% owned by the Spanish Society of Industrial Participations (SEPI, attached to the Ministry of Finance and Public Function of Spain).
Project funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) 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.
