ION-X is proud to announce its collaboration with the Hungarian satellite integrator and manufacturer C3S Electronics Development LLC, the prime contractor of the OPS-SAT ORIOLE (Optical Relay and Infrared Optics for LEO Experiments) space mission for providing its HALO-100X propulsion system aboard Estonia’s first commercial Earth observation satellite. The mission is being carried out within the framework of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems programme line, Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight, within ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate.
Set to demonstrate advanced optical telecommunication and Earth observation technologies, OPS-SAT ORIOLE is a 12/16U-class satellite mission scheduled for launch in October 2026. It will pioneer full-duplex optical and radio data transmission between ground stations, with future potential for space-to-space communication. The mission will also apply low-power operation protocols and thermal infrared imaging from Low Earth Orbit, making it a unique milestone in next-generation space capabilities.
Onboard OPS-SAT ORIOLE, Estonian company Golbriak Space contributes the main optical communication and imaging payload, while Estonian Spaceit provides the ground segment for nominal operations. ION-X delivers to the mission a compact and efficient propulsion system allowing precise maneuvering, long lifetime, debris avoidance and deorbiting capabilities with minimal interference – crucial for sensitive optical payloads. This mission is supported by ESA’s OPS-SAT Space Lab, which facilitates testing and validation of new techniques in mission control and on-board satellite systems.
OPS-SAT ORIOLE marks a major step in European cooperation, reinforcing support for emerging space actors. ION-X’s involvement in this mission underlines its commitment to enabling global access to advanced in-space mobility.
“After the successful flight of our first prototype in Low Earth Orbit earlier this year, the OPS-SAT ORIOLE mission is another step towards the commercial life of our products. We are happy to collaborate within OPS-SAT ORIOLE consortium on this exciting mission, demonstrating advanced thermal infrared and optical communication capabilities. This is another testimony of the depth of the small satellites commercial use-cases”, Thomas Hiriart, CEO ION-X.
“As a platform provider, our mission is to deliver versatile and dependable solutions for a wide range of satellite applications. Integrating the HALO-100X propulsion system takes our platforms’ in-orbit mobility to the next level — enabling precise manoeuvres in line with today’s space sustainability requirements. We’re proud to welcome ION-X on board the OPS-SAT ORIOLE consortium and excited to collaborate on this mission to push the boundaries of what small satellites can achieve,” said Gyula Horváth, CEO C3S LLC.
I am delighted to witness the progress of this innovative collaboration, which sees our valued ESA Member States – Estonia, Hungary, and France – working together on the development of the OPS-SAT ORIOLE mission; not just by innovating Earth observation technologies, but also by advancing optical telecommunications and connectivity for the benefit of our citizens. This mission is supported under ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications (ARTES) programme – investing in space is of utmost importance, enabling us to foster European innovation and create jobs and prosperity,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
About ION-X
ION-X is a French startup founded in May 2021 by Jacques Giérak, a world-renowned expert in ion sources for nanoelectronics and Research Engineer at C2N (Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Laboratory of CNRS, Palaiseau, France). Mr. Giérak was awarded the CNRS Innovation Medal in 2023. The company was also co-founded with Yves Matton, Partner at the venture builder Technofounders. ION-X develops a new electric propulsion system based on the ejection of ultra-fine, fully ionized particles, primarily designed for small satellites. This system is based on patented technology jointly developed by CNRS and CNES. ION-X first thruster successfully flew onboard the EDISON spacecraft, assembled by the Danish satellite manufacturer Space Inventor, and launched by SpaceX in January 2025. ION-X is financially backed by Expansion, Technofounders, the European Innovation Council, Innovacom, the Ile-de-France Région and BPI France.
For more information, please visit www.ion-x.space
About C3S
C3S LLC is a Hungarian space industry SME specializing in designing and manufacturing high-reliability 3-16U platforms and robust and redundant subsystems that meet the requirements of scientific and industrial IoT constellations, or Earth observation missions. The company’s Mission Operation Centre tracks and manages the entire life cycle of missions, from launch to deorbiting. C3S has gained a prominent position among nanosatellite companies by implementing large satellite solutions and technologies in nano-size, which grants long life cycles and high reliability for spacecraft. In addition to CubeSats, the company also designs electrical power systems and payload control systems for large satellites.
For more information, please visit www.c3s.hu
About ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme
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 focuses on advancing optical and quantum technologies to revolutionise satellite communications. ScyLight supports the research, development and utilisation of these technologies, for instance through the HydRON project for seamlessly integrating space assets into terrestrial communication networks. 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
