TESAT DELIVERS THE FIRST SCOT20 OPTICAL COMMUNICATION TERMINAL TO PLANETEK HELLAS FOR GREECE’S NATIONAL SATELLITE SPACE PROGRAM
Backnang (Germany) / Athens (Greece), October 6, 2025 - 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 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.
ABOUT Tesat
TESAT is a leading manufacturer of satellite equipment. The product range spans the smallest space-specific components to modules, entire assemblies or payloads for telecommunication, navigation, earth observation and science missions. In Backnang, Germany, more than 1,100 employees develop, assemble and test systems and equipment for satellite communications. TESAT is the technology leader for in-orbit-verified optical communication terminals for data transmission via laser and has a focus on commercial and institutional space programs. As the leading manufacturer in its field, the company helps to sustainably connect the world and make it a better place to live for everyone.
Learn more about TESAT at www.tesat.de.
ABOUT Planetek Hellas
Planetek Hellas is the biggest space company in Greece, active in the field of New Space Missions, Satellite Earth Observation, Space Data Infrastructure, and Space & Ground Segment Software Development, since 2006. Company customers currently include some of the most important bodies at the European level, such as the European Space Agency, the European Commission, the European Union Satellite Center and leading European space industries. The company is a founding member of the Hellenic Space Industries Cluster and a full member of the "Hellenic Space Technology and Applications Industry Association”.
Learn more about Planetek Hellas at www.planetek.gr
ABOUT European Space Agency (ESA)
ESA is an international organization with 23 Member States. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it can undertake programs and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. ESA is also responsible for implementing European Union's space policy. The activity of ESA concerns the further exploration of the planet Earth, the Atmosphere, our solar system, but also the universe in general. ESA is also responsible for the development of satellite technology and applications as well as for the promotion of European industry. The view expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency.
Learn more about ESA at www.esa.int
ABOUT General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts of the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance & AI
The General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts is under the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance & AI responsible among the rest also for the development and implementation of policies related to space, in Greece.
The General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts plays a crucial role in shaping the digital future of Greece by promoting the adoption of advanced technologies, promoting fair competition and protecting consumers in the related sectors and is the public entity appointed as the Greek Delegation in ESA.
Learn more at mindigital.gr
ABOUT Greece 2.0
This program is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, as part of Greece’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Greece 2.0. greece20.gov.gr Views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion the European Union/European Commission/ESA/ Greek Ministry of Digital Governance. Views and opinion expressed are those of the author(s) only and the European Union/European Commission/ESA/ Greek Ministry of Digital Governance cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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