TESAT and Planetek Hellas are pleased to announce the delivery and acceptance of the first SCOT20 Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) flight model. The terminal will be deployed on Optisat, Planetek Hellas’ pioneering mission under Greece’s National Satellite Space Program, supported by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
The Optisat mission is among Greece’s first CubeSat projects to demonstrate secure laser-based communications from orbit. In the Optisat mission context, the SCOT20 confirms TESAT's capability to provide high-performance, compact optical communication solutions for micro- and nanosatellites. Using laser light instead of radio frequency (RF) signals, the SCOT20 supports data rates up to 1 Gbps, providing enhanced security against interception or jamming. These capabilities are crucial for missions requiring high speed and secure data transmission. The SCOT20 follows major standards in optical communication such as SDA and ESTOL.
“Our first SCOT20 delivery is an important step in making optical communications available to the small satellite segment,” said Sven Rettig, CCO of TESAT. “With its compact design and strong performance, SCOT20 sets new benchmarks for MicroSat and NanoSat applications.”
Frédéric Rouesnel, National Greek Connectivity Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and Quantum Project Manager, said: "The integration of SCOT20 into the Optisat program represents a significant step towards establishing a resilient communications infrastructure for Greece. By leveraging the cost-efficiency of small satellite technology, the accessibility of secure communications is enhanced while simultaneously strengthening European cooperation and autonomy.”
Prof. Konstantinos Karantzalos, Secretary General at the Hellenic ‘Ministry of Digital Governance and AI’ added, “The Optisat mission has reached another important milestone within Greece’s National Space Program. This achievement underlines our commitment to advancing space as a strategic domain for connectivity, security, and scientific excellence. It also stands as a testament to the talent and expertise of Greece’s space industry, and we are proud to support Planetek Hellas and their partners in this endeavor.”
Stelios Bollanos, CEO & Co-founder of Planetek Hellas, added, “We are proud to lead this national and European effort, enabled by the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance and ESA. This mission confirms the ability of our team here in Athens to design and deliver end-to-end New Space solutions, while leveraging European industrial leadership in dual-use space technologies”.
The Optisat mission also serves as a platform for collaboration with both Greek and European partners. In Greece, Planetek Hellas is working with the University of Piraeus Digital Systems Lab, JNP Consultancy Services, and BitRezus (ESA BIC Greece) to integrate advanced cybersecurity, blockchain, and AI-based technologies. At the European level, the mission is supported by leading suppliers including TESAT, EnduroSat, SkyLabs, D-Orbit and Planetek Italia, bringing together a strong industrial and technological ecosystem.