OPTIMAS Begins: A European Project for Cybersecure Communications in Free Space with the Collaboration of Reflex Aerospace
Development of high-speed, quantum key distribution-enabled optical communication systems
Multi-domain defense applications (space, air, naval, ground)
Strong European consortium with Spanish leadership
Innovative satellite communication capabilities
Berlin, Germany, February 6th, 2025: OPTIMAS, a European project enlisting the collaboration of Reflex Aerospace and led by monodon by Navantia, has begun with the aim of developing an advanced free-space optical communication system for multi-domain defence applications.
This is an ambitious project that seeks to provide high-speed data transfer communications with an exceptional level of security, integrating cutting-edge encryption technologies, such as quantum key distribution (QKD).
OPTIMAS will mark a milestone in the development of airborne laser communication systems, providing secure and high-speed communications. It’s designed to operate in satellite constellations with applications for space, air (drones), naval and ground units.
The project’s final demonstrator will focus on achieving high-speed, secure, bidirectional optical communications. It will enable advanced satellite pointing, acquisition and tracking capabilities in low Earth orbits (LEO). Application in medium orbits (MEO) and geostationary orbits (GEO) will be also explored, expanding the scope and possibilities of the system.
A European consortium with Spanish leadership
OPTIMAS has a powerful European consortium made up of 12 entities from 7 countries, highlighting a strong Spanish presence with 6 organizations involved. Among these, monodon by Navantia assumes the role of project coordinator, reaffirming Spain’s leadership in advanced defence and communications technologies. Reflex oversees space segment studies and design, including satellite platform development, manufacturing, testing, as well as laser communications payload integration, while playing a supporting role in launch related activities and overall system testing.
The project is developed within the framework of the 2023 work program of the European defence Fund (EDF – European Défense Fund), consolidating international cooperation in technological innovation for defence.
OPTIMAS is formed by:
monodon by Navantia (Spain) as coordinator
CAILABS (France)
Centro de Láseres Pulsados – CLPU (Spain)
TECNOBIT SLU (Spain)
GMV (Portugal)
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)
MBRYONICS LIMITED (Ireland)
ODYSSEUS Space SA (Luxemburg)
REFLEX AEROSPACE GMBH (Germany)
SCHIEBEL ELEKTRONISCHE GERAETE GMBH (Austria)
SENER (Spain)
Universidad de Valencia (Spain)
Universidad de Vigo (Spain)
OPTIMAS is positioned as a key project in the advancement of cyber-secure laser communications, consolidating European collaboration and the technological leadership of Reflex in the field of multi-domain defence.
Project funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
About monodon by Navantia (Consortium Coordinator):
monodon is Navantia’s radical innovation area, it is focused on the research and development of “deeptech” technologies (technologies that are at very low TRL) with relevant applications for its sector. Navantia is a public and strategic technology company for the defence of Spain. It specializes in shipbuilding (ships and submarines) and offshore wind and other green energies. It is 100% owned by the Spanish Society of Industrial Participations (SEPI, attached to the Ministry of Finance and Public Function of Spain).
About Reflex Aerospace
Based in Munich and Berlin, Reflex Aerospace enables lightning-fast innovation in space by designing and manufacturing 100 to 500 kg payload-specific, dual-use satellite platforms within 12 months. Reflex is redefining satellite development by blending verticalized in-house design and manufacturing, end-to-end support, secure-by-design modules, hardware-accelerated encryption, and the highest-performing core avionics in its class.
Reflex Aerospace GmbH – Press contact
Sam Bender
press@reflexaerospace.com