Summary
Lithuania's company Astrolight is developing a laser communications system to link satellites with Earth, aiming to provide faster and more secure data transmission than traditional radio methods. Astrolight's technology is also being explored for military use due to its difficulty to intercept, with Lithuania investing significantly in defense technology as part of its strategy.
Key Facts
- Astrolight is a Lithuanian startup focused on space technology.
- The company has raised €2.8 million to develop its "optical data highway."
- This technology uses lasers for communication, similar to invisible internet cables.
- Lasers are faster and more secure compared to radio communications.
- Astrolight's technology is part of NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic project.
- The Lithuanian Navy uses these lasers to communicate during radio silence.
- Lithuania spends a significant portion of its GDP on defense, higher than many larger countries.
- 30% of Lithuanian space projects receive EU funding, surpassing the EU average of 17%.
