ARTES 4.0 is the Agency's main programme for technology developments in the field of satellite communications.
Within the ARTES 4.0 programme, ESA implemented a dedicated element for optical communications, photonics and quantum communication, called ScyLight (SeCure and Laser communication Technology, pronounced "skylight").
ScyLight is one of 3 Strategic Programme Lines that ESAs Member states have setup to put particular focus on areas like Optical and Quantum Communications (ScyLight, 4S and Space for 5G).
The objectives of ARTES ScyLight are:
- To address the development, demonstration and utilisation of innovative optical and quantum technologies for satellite communication as well as preparing for new market opportunities.
- To support industry to develop/extend its manufacturing capabilities and seize related market opportunities.
In pursuit of these high-level objectives, ESA performs system studies, market analyses, initiates developments of technologies defined in the ScyLight Workplan and maintains an “always open call” to provide support to activities initiated by industry on their own ideas and developments plans.
ESA organises regular workshops with industrial stakeholders to foster cooperation and to inform about recent developments and trends in the field of optical communications.
ScyLight is also the home for designing and demonstrating key elements of a “Virtual Fibre in the Sky” system, named High Throughput Optical Network (HydRON), that seamlessly extends terrestrial fibre networks into space.
SUMMARY TABLE FOR ALL PLANNED ARTES SCYLIGHT WORKPLAN ACTIVITIES
The ARTES ScyLight Work plan specifically addresses technologies and studies in support of the priorities defined in the ScyLight Optical Roadmap.
ARTES work plan activities are initiated by ESA and deal with strategic developments containing technical risks and are therefore fully funded.
The ARTES ScyLight work plan 2023 can be found at:
In addition to the latest ARTES ScyLight Work plan, a summary table for all planned ARTES Work plan activities is available for download to registered users residing within participating Member States.
If you are not yet registered, please sign-up for artes.esa.int, or log in to your existing account.
OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSAL
ARTES 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS FOR C&G, SCYLIGHT, 4S AND 5G
ARTES activities initiated by industry for the commercialization or space qualification of a product are supported by ScyLight on a co-funding basis.
Proposals are confidential and negotiated directly. The corresponding ARTES 4.0 'Call for Proposals' (CfP) is always open. To download the documents, registration on esa-star is required.
Open date: Friday 17th February 2023
Closing date: Friday 29th December 2028
Reference Number: CfP/4-40001/23/NL/AF
Tender number: 4-40001
Last Update Date: Friday 24th March 2023
Update reason: Clarification 1 published
NEWS AND EVENTS
European Space Agency launches seventh annual conference around optical and quantum communicatio…
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Strategic Programme Line (SPL), Optical and Quantum Communications - ScyLight, and the Netherlands Space Office has announced the hosting of its seventh annual ScyLight Conference and second Quantum…
6th Annual ScyLight Conference
You are invited to participate in the sixth edition of the annual ScyLight Conference on 15 and 16 May 2023, and a Workshop on the future of Quantum Technologies on 17 May 2023.
The conference will be hosted jointly by the Ministry of…
ScyLight Industry Day - The Netherlands
The Strategic Programme Line (SPL) on Optical and Quantum communication - ScyLight aims to involve stakeholders of new services and technologies at the earliest possible stage, and to update them on relevant activities under the SPL. This is such…
GREECONNECT Virtual Day - GREEk CONNECtivity small-satellites
The GREECONNECT Virtual Day is an online event bringing together industrial and research actors with an interest in small satellites to receive information on current and future opportunities though the Greek National Space Project. The event is…
This is an annual event for European and Canadian Industries as well as ESA technical experts to showcase the latest developments in the domain of optical and quantum communication technologies under the ScyLight umbrella and beyond. It will be a…
Third ScyLight workshop 2019 highlights
On the 5th and 6th June 2019, the third annual ScyLight workshop took place in the two of the most important Romanian historical palaces: Hilton Atheene Palace and Palais Ghica Victoria in the town of Bucharest.
ScyLight Workshop on Optical Communication 2019
ESA and Industry experts are invited to showcase and discuss the latest developments in the domain of optical activities under the ScyLight umbrella and beyond. Pitch talks available.
Second ScyLight Workshop 2018 Highlights
On the 6th and 7th June 2018, the second annual ScyLight workshop took place in the historic Italian town of Florence, providing the opportunity to the stakeholders to network and share ongoing activities.
10 New Business and Research Partners Join Quartz
Following ESA’s recent agreement with an SES-led consortium to support the Quantum Cryptography Telecommunication System (QUARTZ), SES has announced ten new project partners including universities, research organisations and leading industry…
ScyLight Workshop on Optical Communication 2018
The workshop will give an opportunity for you to present and discuss the progress and advances that have been made in the optical communication domain since last year.
Space Photons Bring a New Dimension to Cryptography
ESA and its partners will investigate how satellites can distribute photon ‘keys’ to help secure encryption.
ESA and industry propose ScyLight roadmap
ScyLight is the new ARTES programme element dedicated to Optical Communication technologies and space based Quantum Cryptography,
