Astrolight

Astrolight, a European deep tech startup developing laser communication terminals for space, defense, and multi-domain operations, builds free-space optical communication systems with an emphasis on the security properties unique to laser links: the narrow optical beam's extreme directionality makes interception and jamming geometrically difficult, addressing a critical vulnerability of radio frequency (RF) communications where broad radio beams can be detected, jammed, or intercepted over wide areas.

Astrolight's ATLAS-1 terminal supports up to 10 Gbps optical downlink from LEO satellites to ground stations using a distinctive two-aperture design — separating the transmit and receive apertures to optimize each path's optical design without the interference compromises required when sharing a single aperture for bidirectional communication. This architecture enables higher link budget efficiency and allows independent optimization of the pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems for each direction.

The dual-use security angle distinguishes Astrolight from purely commercial optical communications companies: the company explicitly targets defense and multi-domain operations applications where electromagnetic spectrum dominance is contested — scenarios where adversaries can jam GPS and radio communications, but lack the geometric positioning to intercept or block narrow laser beams between specific points in space. This positions Astrolight's terminals as resilient secure communication infrastructure for military space systems, intelligence satellite links, and government secure communications.

Astrolight was selected for the NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) program as one of the top 3% of dual-use technology startups — a competitive program that provides defense-oriented deep tech companies with funding, mentorship, and connections to NATO defense procurement communities. The company raised €2.8 million in seed funding in May 2025 to accelerate ATLAS-1 development and testing. Astrolight competes with Mynaric, Tesat-Spacecom, and Cailabs in the optical communications terminal market.