Altechna Optics Used in ESA’s First Interplanetary Laser Communication Test to NASA’s Psyche Spacecraft

ESA’s Interplanetary Optical Communication Campaign

The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully conducted its interplanetary optical communication campaign, sending a laser signal to NASA’s Psyche spacecraft over 186 million miles from Earth. The system included optical components from Altechna, used to direct and stabilise the beam.

Recently, ESA completed its deep-space optical communications campaign and sent laser signals to NASA’s Psyche spacecraft more than 186 million miles from Earth. Key optical components from Altechna, a global custom optics manufacturing company, were used in the mission’s Ground Laser Transmitter (GLT).

Optical Components in the Ground Laser Transmitter

Altechna provided 3-inch mirrors and windows for the GLT system, helping to shape and steady the laser beam as it was sent across deep space. The parts kept the beam sharp and on target, even with heavy power use and interference from Earth’s atmosphere.

“Our role is to make optics that function in the toughest conditions, whether that’s inside a laser weapon or in a beam path pointed deep into the solar system,” said Antanas Laurutis, CEO of Altechna. “We can’t lose signal to scattering, distortion or damage. That’s where every nanometer of coating quality matters.”

Credit: ESA

Why Precision Optics Matter in Deep Space

In deep-space optical links, even basic components such as mirrors and windows are critical. Especially at interplanetary range, tiny flaws can scatter light and disrupt the signal. Precision coatings, low absorption, and perfect flatness are what keep the beam intact over hundreds of millions of miles.

A Step Toward the Future of Space Communication

ESA’s successful mission is a historic step toward more advanced space communication. Most space missions still rely on radio links, but their limited capacity makes it harder to support growing data needs. Optical systems offer a faster, more efficient alternative, with lower delays and greater resistance to interference.

As missions go farther to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the demand for more data in science, navigation, and operations keeps rising. Optical communication offers a clear and effective way to meet that demand.

“We are proud our optics helped make this campaign possible. Looking ahead, we see optical communication as a foundation for the next era of space exploration,” Laurutis added.