ESA appoints Amphinicy Technologies as Prime Contractor for ONEST Optical Ground Station Testbed

Amphinicy Technologies has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead the ONEST (Optical Ground Station Network Scheduling Testbed) project, an initiative under ESA’s ScyLight programme to advance optical and quantum communications across Europe. As prime contractor, Amphinicy will work alongside the satellite solutions provider SES and Officina Stellare to develop a modular testbed that will support the evolution of future optical ground station networks.

Advancing optical ground segment development with ONEST

Optical communications are rapidly emerging as a key enabler of high-speed, secure satellite links, offering greater data capacity and enhanced resilience compared to traditional RF systems. With optical ground stations now being deployed globally, the industry faces new challenges in interoperability, scheduling, station handover, and network-level performance validation.

ONEST aims to address these needs by providing a flexible environment for testing, configuration, and optimisation of optical ground station networks, including automated satellite pass handling, link scheduling, and Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) for reliable data delivery.

Monica M&C in optical and quantum communications

Amphinicy’s monitoring and control solution, Monica will form the software backbone of the ONEST testbed. It will provide centralised automation, scripting, telemetry visualisation, alerting, and comprehensive logging. Acting as the operational core, Monica will integrate link configuration scheduling, DTN transfer coordination, and real-time OGS status monitoring.

Contributing to stronger, secure and high-performance connectivity across Europe

The ONEST project is supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) in the scope of the ESA ScyLight programme. The initiative marks an important step in strengthening Europe’s capabilities in next-generation satellite communications.

“The consortium completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in October 2025, marking a major project milestone and confirming the technical direction. The team is now refining the system architecture and implementation. A one-year demonstration campaign is planned for late 2026 at the SES teleport facility in Redu, Belgium, where the ONEST testbed will be accessible to external users for real-world validation of optical and quantum communication services.“ says Asli Altuntas, a Project and Bid Manager at Amphinicy Luxembourg.

The full project details are available on the ONEST project page on the official ESA website.

About SES 

At SES, we believe that space has the power to make a difference. That’s why we design space solutions that help governments protect, businesses grow, and people stay connected - no matter where they are. With integrated multi-orbit satellites and our global terrestrial network, we deliver resilient, seamless connectivity and the highest quality video content to those shaping what’s next. Following our Intelsat acquisition, we now offer more than 100 years of combined global industry leadership - backed by a track record of bringing innovation “firsts” to market. As a trusted partner to customers and the global space ecosystem, SES is driving impact that goes far beyond coverage. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com.

SES’ support of ESA’s ONEST initiative:

The ONEST project supported by Luxembourg-headquartered satellite solutions provider SES, will leverage the company’s innovative capabilities, track-record in the satellite-enabled long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) developments including EAGLE-1, institutional projects delivery, as well as extensive infrastructure. The company and its affiliates have been successfully operating the ESEC site in Redu leading ESA's Education programme, as well as performing activities such as executing in-orbit testing for Galileo, validation of Mission Operation Centres (MOCs),  satellite control Infrastructures, engineering and delivery of ground stations for government applications, hosting and maintenance of optical and RF ground stations and more.

About Officina Stellare

Officina Stellare is an Italian leading name specialised in the design and manufacture of high-technology optomechanical system instrumentation for the aerospace, scientific research, and defence-related domains. Officina Stellare aims to be the global point of reference for the delivery of integrated engineering systems and solutions that may allow individuals to accelerate knowledge of the Earth and the universe, improve and make connectivity between people and machines safer and enhance the possibilities of defence and protection of sensitive information and data. To learn more, please visit: www.officinastellare.com.