Ground station in Chile ready to connect to space via laser

Unlike traditional satellite links that use radio waves, this station uses lasers to send and receive signals. This approach allows much higher data speeds and reduces the risk of interference and eavesdropping, making communications more secure.

Located on a 100-hectare site protected by the Andean foothills, this optical ground station – established by SSC Space and manufactured by Safran Space – has now passed acceptance testing. Together with a second facility in Western Australia – which began testing in 2025 – the station is now ready for operations as part of the SSC Space optical ground network.

The optical ground station’s laser links can transfer data at rates of up to 10 gigabits per second, enough to stream dozens of ultra-high-definition films at once. Because the laser beam is highly focused, it is much harder for others to intercept or jam the signal, which is a potential issue in traditional radio-based communications. Another advantage is that, unlike radio frequencies which require government licences and can face regulatory delays, laser communications are not subject to these restrictions.

This project is part of ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme and the wider NODES initiative, which aims to advance the development of optical ground stations and boost the wider adoption of laser communications. Keeping sustainability in mind, the Chilean station is powered by locally generated energy through solar panels, cutting emissions by around eight percent. This is in line with SSC Space’s ambitions to become carbon-neutral by 2040.

“At ESA, we’re working with our partners to showcase the ‘Made in Europe’ innovations that will provide connectivity to our Member States that’s faster, more secure and more resilient than ever before,” said Laurent Jaffart, Director of ESA Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity. “Our Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme is an essential tool to keeping our partners at the leading edge of the global satellite communications market, and this partnership with SSC Space shows just how we’re delivering connectivity solutions beyond Europe and Canada.” 

“The station in Santiago is not just another node – it’s a leap forward. We’re moving satellite communications into a new era of speed, security, and resilience. As part of the NODES network, this station brings us closer to fulfilling tomorrow’s mission needs, with interference-resistant transmission capable of meeting heavy data demand,” says Hanna Sundberg, Optical Programme Manager at SSC Space.