Estonia and Hungary Collaborate with ESA on OPS-SAT ORIOLE Mission, Launching Estonia’s First industry-led Satellite
C3S LLC from Hungary and Estonian companies Spaceit OÜ and Golbriak Space OÜ, in partnership with ESA, agreed on realization of the OPS-SAT ORIOLE satellite. The mission will demonstrate satellite optical communication and real-time radio switching to download thermal Earth observation data.
Bremen, Space Tech Expo, 21.11.2024 – Hungarian company C3S LLC and Estonian companies Spaceit OÜ and Golbriak Space OÜ have signed an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a satellite under the ESA strategic programme line on Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight.
The mission, titled OPS-SAT ORIOLE (Optical Relay and Infrared Optics for LEO Experiments), will feature a thermal camera and an optical communication terminal in space and on the ground. The primary objectives of the mission are In Orbit Demonstration (IOD) of full-duplex optical communication from space to ground and enabling near real-time switching of high-speed radio communications across ground stations for faster download of Earth observation data. C3S, as the prime contractor, will provide the satellite platform, Spaceit will be responsible for the ground software and operations, and Golbriak Space will supply the optical communication terminal and thermal camera.
As the mission will pave the way for commercialisation of different data and technologies, this satellite will mark Estonia’s first commercial satellite, with a planned launch in early 2026.
About the companies
C3S LLC is a Hungarian space company specializing in designing and manufacturing high-reliability 3-16U CubeSat platforms and redundant subsystems for scientific, industrial IoT, and Earth observation missions. With a strong focus on long lifecycle and high reliability, C3S applies large satellite technologies to nanosatellite solutions. The company also provides mission management through its Mission Operation Centre, overseeing the entire mission lifecycle from launch to deorbiting. Additionally, C3S designs electrical power and payload control systems for large satellites.
Spaceit OÜ is an Estonian company providing software solutions for satellite operations and space cybersecurity. Founded in 2015, Spaceit makes space access affordable through efficient resource utilization, extensive ground station networks, and a flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model. Their platform ensures satellite missions benefit from automated operations, low latency, high data rates, and robust security. Spaceit’s software is also used in large-scale live fire cyber defense exercises and the development, testing, and validation of various satellite communication systems.
Golbriak Space OÜ is an Estonian company specialized in developing miniaturized free-space optical communication technologies and advanced optical systems. Golbriak’s products include FSO communication devices for satellites and drones, hybrid optical communication/thermal imaging systems, optical ground stations, and end-to-end networking and data management services. Their products and services enhance satellite capabilities by ensuring high-speed, secure, and reliable data transmission.
About ESA’s Strategic Programme Line on Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space, coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its Member States to conduct space programmes and activities. Part of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), the Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme line focuses on advancing optical and quantum technologies to revolutionise satellite communications, supporting their research, development, and utilisation. ESA is enabling future quantum communication networks with ultra-secure global connectivity by advancing space-based quantum key distribution and maturing technologies already available today.
Through supporting industry to develop and extend its manufacturing capabilities, ScyLight helps prepare European and Canadian industry stakeholders to seize related market opportunities.
Learn more at https://connectivity.esa.int/optical-and-quantum-communications
