Oledcomm, A LiFi-Leader Company, Has Been Selected by the French National Space Agency (CNES) to Develop Inter-Satellite Optical Communications Service

In a significant boost for European space technology sovereignty, French optical communications specialist Oledcomm has been selected by the French National Space Agency (CNES) to develop cutting-edge inter-satellite communication technology. The selection, part of France's ambitious France 2030 program, positions the company at the forefront of a rapidly expanding space communications market.

LUCI: The Next Generation of Satellite Communications

At the heart of this groundbreaking project lies LUCI (Ultra-Compact Inter-Satellite Liaison), an innovative terminal designed to revolutionise how satellites communicate with each other. This ultra-compact device promises to deliver bidirectional inter-satellite communications services that combine affordability with exceptional performance.

The terminal's design philosophy centres on three critical advantages: low power consumption, very high bandwidth, and compact form factor. These characteristics make LUCI particularly suited for next-generation satellite communications, where space and power constraints are paramount concerns.

A Booming Market Driven by Global Connectivity Demands

The space optical communications market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with annual expansion rates projected between 20-30%. This explosive growth stems from global demand for high-speed, low-latency connectivity that traditional radio frequency communications cannot adequately provide.

Optical communications using laser beams offer several compelling advantages over conventional radio frequency systems. These include dramatically higher transmission speeds, enhanced security features, and reduced interference with existing radio spectrum allocations. Such benefits have made optical communications essential for modern satellite operations.

The market's expansion is fueled by the proliferation of major satellite constellations deployed by companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon, alongside government initiatives such as Europe's IRIS program. These constellations support diverse applications ranging from Earth observation and space exploration to critical military communications.

Strategic Advantages Beyond Performance

Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs) address crucial sovereignty and security concerns that extend well beyond mere technical performance. By enabling satellites to communicate directly with each other without routing through ground stations, these systems significantly reduce network vulnerability while ensuring continuity of high-speed services anywhere on the planet.

This capability proves particularly valuable for sensitive applications where data security and operational independence are paramount. For France and Europe, developing sovereign optical communication technologies represents a strategic imperative in an increasingly competitive global space economy.

Competitive Positioning in a Strategic Market

Oledcomm enters this critical market with significant advantages, including patented technologies that have already proven themselves in space environments. The company's track record includes successful participation in three space missions: OneWeb, Ariane 6 qualification flights, and Inspire7.

"With LUCI, we are developing a competitive inter-satellite optical solution suited to the constellations of the future, all while protecting European technical sovereignty," explained Benjamin Azoulay, CEO of Oledcomm. "We are grateful to have the support of France 2030 and the CNES."

This positioning comes at a crucial time when France and Europe are increasingly focused on achieving technological sovereignty in critical space technologies, reducing dependence on non-European solutions.

"This project leverages our expertise in wireless optical communication, our space heritage, and our patents in the field of photonics, which allow for a 50% reduction in mass while offering record transmission speeds of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) over distances of 7,800 km between satellites," explains Benjamin Azoulay, CEO of Oledcomm.

Structured Development Through 2028

The LUCI project follows a carefully planned two-phase development schedule designed to minimise risks while ensuring thorough testing and validation.

Phase 1 (through July 2026) focuses on preliminary detailed system definition and technical consolidation. This phase aims to eliminate major technical and industrial risks before proceeding to full development.

Phase 2 (mid-2026 to 2028) encompasses industrial development, including design finalisation, manufacturing, assembly, and comprehensive testing. The phase concludes with extensive qualification campaigns in space environment conditions and end-to-end service demonstrations.

This structured approach ensures controlled progress from initial design concepts to orbital readiness, with the ambitious goal of delivering a first flight model by 2028.

Building on French Space Heritage

The LUCI project represents continuation of France's rich heritage in space-based optical communications, building upon earlier pioneering efforts such as the Silex and LOLA projects from the 2000s. The initiative also benefits from nearly a decade of continuous institutional support through programs including DYSCO (CNES) and CO-OP (France Relance).

This historical foundation provides Oledcomm with both technical expertise and institutional knowledge necessary for success in the challenging space environment.

Company Profile: Innovation in Optical Communications

Founded as a specialist in wireless optical communications, Oledcomm has built an impressive portfolio of over 36 patents while establishing itself across multiple high-value markets. The company develops ultra-secure, discreet, high-speed connectivity and communication solutions for defense, space, and industrial applications.

The company's proven space experience, combined with its innovative approach to optical communications, positions it well to capitalise on the growing demand for advanced satellite communication systems.

Implications for European Space Competitiveness

Oledcomm's selection for this high-profile France 2030 project reflects broader European efforts to maintain competitiveness in critical space technologies. As satellite constellations become increasingly important for global communications infrastructure, the ability to develop and deploy advanced inter-satellite communication systems represents a key strategic capability.

The LUCI project's success could establish France and Europe as major players in the optical space communications market, providing alternatives to solutions developed by other global powers. This technological sovereignty proves increasingly important as space becomes a more contested domain.

Looking Toward 2028 and Beyond

With development phases clearly defined and institutional support secured, Oledcomm faces the challenge of translating innovative concepts into operational hardware capable of performing reliably in the harsh space environment. Success would not only validate the company's technical approach but also establish a foundation for broader commercial opportunities in the expanding satellite communications market.

The 2028 timeline for first flight model delivery aligns well with the expected deployment schedules of next-generation satellite constellations, potentially positioning LUCI as a critical enabling technology for future space-based communications infrastructure.

As the global space economy continues expanding, projects like LUCI represent essential investments in the technologies that will define the next generation of satellite communications capabilities.

Source: License K

Oledcomm's Optical Head Unit concept is an optical head installed externally on the satellite to enable it to communicate via laser at 100 Gbps.