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ESA, Greece Activate 2.5 Gbps Optical Ground Station

5/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

ESA and the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance announced on May 18 2026 that the Holomondas Optical Ground Station is operational.
Astrolight built the station with Aristotle University, installing an 808-nm laser beacon and a C-band receiver up to 2.5 Gbps.
The station will test secure laser links for ESA’s Greek Connectivity Programme, offering jamming resistance, easing RF congestion, and forming a weather-resilient Mediterranean network by upgrading Helmos and Skinakas observatories.

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Story summary

ESA and the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance announced on May 18 2026 that the Holomondas Optical Ground Station is operational.
Astrolight built the station with Aristotle University, installing an 808-nm laser beacon and a C-band receiver up to 2.5 Gbps.
The station will test secure laser links for ESA’s Greek Connectivity Programme, offering jamming resistance, easing RF congestion, and forming a weather-resilient Mediterranean network by upgrading Helmos and Skinakas observatories.