Greece Launches Laser Ground Station for Secure Satellite Communications

Severity: Low (Score: 24.0)

Sources: Theregister, Fudzilla

Published: 2026-05-19 · Updated: 2026-05-20

Keywords: satellite, station, europe, greek, laser, comms, hunt

Summary

A new optical ground station has been commissioned in northern Greece to enhance satellite communications. The Holomondas Optical Ground Station, developed by Astrolight, supports ESA-backed CubeSat missions using laser-based communication instead of traditional radio systems. This initiative is part of the PeakSat project, which aims to address the growing demand for satellite bandwidth. The station utilizes an 808-nanometer laser beacon and can receive data at speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps. Astrolight's CEO emphasized the importance of optical connectivity for future satellite constellations, highlighting its advantages in security and resistance to jamming. The technology is also of interest to defense operators seeking resilient communication systems. The first two CubeSats, PeakSat and ERMIS-3, were launched in March 2026 as part of this initiative. Key Points: • Greece's new optical ground station enhances satellite communication capabilities. • The station supports ESA-backed CubeSats using laser links instead of radio systems. • Optical communication technology offers increased security and higher data throughput.

Detailed Analysis

**Impact** The new optical ground station in northern Greece supports ESA-backed CubeSat missions, specifically PeakSat and ERMIS-3, enhancing secure satellite communications across Europe. This development affects satellite operators, defense sectors, and space-based infrastructure relying on high-capacity data links, potentially improving data throughput up to 2.5 Gbps. The technology targets geographies involved in European space activities and dual-use defense applications, with implications for sovereignty and resistance to electronic warfare and jamming. **Technical Details** The system uses infrared laser links at 808 nanometers and an optical C-band receiver to replace traditional radio frequency communications. The technology involves precise laser pointing between moving satellites and ground stations, addressing challenges of high-speed orbital movement (~8 km/s). No malware, CVEs, or attack infrastructure are mentioned, as this is a communications technology deployment rather than a cyberattack. The focus is on secure, high-throughput optical links resistant to interception and jamming. **Recommended Response** No specific cybersecurity threats or vulnerabilities are identified in the articles; therefore, no immediate patches or detections are recommended. Defenders should monitor developments in optical satellite communications for emerging threat vectors related to laser link interception or jamming attempts. Stakeholders in satellite communications and defense sectors should assess integration risks and update security protocols as optical networking technologies mature.

Source articles (2)

• Greek laser station targets satellite comms — Fudzilla · 2026-05-19
  Europe’s hunt for secure, high-capacity satellite communications infrastructure has produced a laser-equipped mountaintop ground station in northern Greece. Lithuanian space and defence outfit Astroli…
• Europe tests laser links as satellite comms outgrow radio — Theregister · 2026-05-18
  Greek mountaintop ground station aims infrared beams at CubeSats in ESA-backed optical networking trial Europe's hunt for secure, high-capacity satellite communications infrastructure has produced a l…

Timeline

• 2026-03-01 — Launch of PeakSat and ERMIS-3 CubeSats: Two Greek CubeSats were launched under ESA's Greek IOD/IOV mission program to test optical communications.
• 2026-05-18 — Holomondas Optical Ground Station commissioned: Astrolight announced the commissioning of a laser-equipped ground station in Greece to support satellite communications.
• 2026-05-19 — Fudzilla reports on the Greek laser station: Fudzilla published an article detailing the capabilities and significance of the new optical ground station in Greece.

Related entities

• Greece (Country)