The European Space Agency (ESA) has taken a major step toward real-time data delivery from space, awarding a €18.6 million contract to Canadian firm Kepler Communications. The deal, signed during the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, advances the third phase of ESA’s HydRON project—a laser-based network designed to transmit actionable data from orbit to ground in seconds.
HydRON, short for High-thRoughput Optical Network, aims to create a “fibre internet in the sky.” Instead of relying on congested radio frequencies and limited ground station passes, the system uses optical laser links to move large data volumes quickly, securely, and with less interference. The goal is terabit-per-second speeds and seamless integration with ground-based fibre networks.
The project is structured in three parts. The first establishes a low-Earth orbit constellation using optical relays. The second extends that capability to higher orbits, connecting multiple orbital layers and ground infrastructure. The third—now led by Kepler—focuses on bringing industry into the network, validating how different technologies and services can work together in orbit.
Under the new contract, Kepler will host payloads from several European partners on its satellites. Vyoma GmbH will contribute a space situational awareness payload to track satellites and debris. TESAT, MBRYONICS Ltd, and Astrolight UAB will each provide optical communication hardware.
The agreement builds on Kepler’s earlier role in HydRON’s first element and supports ESA’s wider goal of a resilient, European-led space communications infrastructure. It was signed by ESA Director Laurent Jaffart and Kepler CEO Mina Mitry, with ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell in attendance.
“HydRON will serve as the world’s first multi-orbital optical network with terabit-per-second capacity,” said Jaffart. “This signature continues our collaboration on Element 3, which is key to building new industrial capabilities and promoting international cooperation.”
Kepler’s Mina Mitry added: “Element 3 represents a critical step in broad interoperability testing and real-time data access for various applications.”
Beyond speed, HydRON prioritizes interoperability—ensuring hardware from different European companies works together within a single network. ESA’s Harald Hauschildt noted that future evolutions could support high-altitude platforms, maritime, and even deep-space communications.
