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 Communications (ScyLight), 4S and Space for 5G.
The objectives of ARTES ScyLight are:
- to address the development, demonstration and utilization of innovative optical 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 Wprkplan and ESA maintains an “always open call” to provide support to activities initiated by industry on their own ideas and developments plans.
ESA organizes 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 the elements of a “Fibre in the Sky” system – the world first High Throughput Optical Network, called HydRON, aiming for Terabit throughput interconnecting space assets to seamlessly integrate them with terrestrial fibre networks.
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 activities initiated by ESA deal with strategic developments containing technical risks and are therefore fully funded.
Having registered on esa-star as potential bidder, you can use your received account information to login and download the complete Work plans from EMITS:
Download the SCYLIGHT WORKPLAN from EMITS
In addition to the 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 login 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. The latest issue is available online on EMITS (Invitation to Tender AO10285). To download the documents, registration on esa-star is required.
Open date: Friday, 03 April, 2020
Closing date: Saturday, December 31, 2022
Reference Number: 20.1TT.56
Tender number: AO10285
Last Update Date: Friday, July 24, 2020
Update reason: Modified a Clarification 3
News and Events
-
ScyLight Virtual Industry Day - United Kingdom (TBC)
The UK ScyLight Industry Day is an online event bringing together companies and research organisations alike with an interest in optical communication and photonics to discuss current opportunities for UK industry.
-
4th ScyLight Workshop 2021 Online Event
On the 8th and 9th June 2021, the 4th annual ScyLight workshop took place online. This year the annual event took place online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the event was attended by 284 attendees, totalling 382 registrations to the…
-
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…
-
ARTES 4.0 – a new proposal for a new marketplace
The world space market is undergoing a deep transformation fuelled by the digitalisation of the economy and society. At the same time, many governments recognise the growing strategic importance of space.
-
“Space2connect” is the right event to explore and discuss the emerging space-based solutions to address the challenges and opportunities of today’s and tomorrow’s digital economy.
-
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,
