Pilot Photonics, a spin-out company of Dublin City University, signed a deal with the European Space Agency to expand groundbreaking developments
Ireland was one of 23 European Space Agency member states to sign off on the agency’s largest-ever funding request in 2025(Image: AFP or licensors)
An Irish company has secured a million-dollar contract with the European Space Agency for “space-proofing” satellite infrastructure.
Pilot Photonics is a spin-out company of Dublin City University, with its headquarters on its Glasnevin campus and a team of 25 employees. The company develops integrated photonic chips, which use light rather than electrical signals to generate and carry information.
The new contract with ESA provides funding for the ‘space-proofing’ of the company’s optical frequency generator units, which will be used in satellite communication systems, the Irish Times reported.
“This ESA project is about increasing the ruggedness so it can withstand the harsh environment of space,” said Frank Smyth, chief technical officer and co-founder of Pilot Photonics.
“Around one in four people on the planet have no internet access and in many cases satellite communication is the only way to connect them,” he added.
“Compared to the electronic frequency generators that are used on satellites today, our technology can generate higher frequencies with greater flexibility which allows satellite operators to offer more capacity and enhanced services to their customers.”
Current satellite systems operate using electronic frequencies and have been put under increasing pressure in recent years due to data-intensive applications including live-streaming and VR usage, according to the company.
Pilot Photonics OFGU harnesses integrated photonics for the Space market(Image: Fraunhofer HHI)
The new deal between the DCU spin-out company and ESA comes shortly after ESA opened a new lab at the Irish Manufacturing Research facility in Mullingar, Co Westmeath earlier this year.
The lab was set up to develop and test new technology with the potential for use in space. Last year, Ireland was one of 23 ESA member states to sign off on the agency’s largest ever funding request. ESA received a €22.3 billion – $25.7 million – package for programs to be delivered over the next three years.
Barry Jennings, National Delegate to ESA at Enterprise Ireland, said, “This significant ESA contract is further evidence of Ireland’s growing capability in the space economy.”
“Pilot Photonics is developing highly specialised technology that addresses a real and urgent need in next-generation satellite infrastructure – and doing so at the frontier of what’s possible in integrated photonics,” he added.
“The Irish Delegation to ESA is committed to supporting companies like Pilot Photonics as Ireland continues to build a strong and distinctive presence in the European space sector.”
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