Story perspectives

ESA and Astrolight to Build First Optical Ground Station in Greenland

11/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Lithuanian startup Astrolight will build the first optical ground station (OGS) in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to enable laser communications and guard against interference.
The OGS will be operational by end-2026.
It serves telecommunications and Earth observation, aiding disaster detection and infrastructure management.
It addresses Arctic connectivity, aiding disaster response and environmental monitoring.
The project is funded under ESA's ScyLight program with €2.8 million.

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Story summary

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Lithuanian startup Astrolight will build the first optical ground station (OGS) in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to enable laser communications and guard against interference.
The OGS will be operational by end-2026.
It serves telecommunications and Earth observation, aiding disaster detection and infrastructure management.
It addresses Arctic connectivity, aiding disaster response and environmental monitoring.
The project is funded under ESA's ScyLight program with €2.8 million.