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ESA's Telecommunications and Integrated Applications Directorate (TIA) runs a dedicated programmatic framework to Optical Communication Technologies, called ARTES ScyLight (SeCure and Laser communication Technology, pronounced "skylight"). ScyLight supports the development and deployment of innovative optical technologies for satellite communication as well as assisting industry to develop new market opportunities for optical communication technologies. The ScyLight programme focuses the efforts of European and Canadian industry on optical communication technologies in the following areas: •Optical Communication Technology at System Level •Optical Communication Terminal Technology •Intra-Satellite Photonics/Optical Payloads •Quantum Cryptography Technologies in Space and initial services demonstration The paper will give an overview of the programme status and an outlook on its evolution. The paper will inform about the status of a new proposed ESA project on optical communications called "High thRoughput Optical Network" (HydRON), which aims to demonstrate European and Canadian capabilities in all fields of optical communications and with the seamless integration into terrestrial network structures, via a dedicated mission.

The Public-Private-Partnership between ESA and Airbus Defense and Space (Germany) has created the European Data Relay System (EDRS), which is operational since 2016. The joint teams are running the Phase B of the globalisation of the European Data Relay System (EDRS) with an addition to the programme called EDRS Global (former GlobeNet). EDRS Global is planning to increase the capacity of EDRS by adding a geostationary data relay payload, called EDRS-D, over the Asia-Pacific regionin cooperation with Airbus DS partner JSAT (Japan). The heart of the system will be multiple laser terminals, based on TESATs upgraded design, featuring also a dual wavelength capability (1064 nm and 1550 nm) to serve more customers at the same time. The 1550 nm capabilities will be implemented in a cooperation between Airbus and TESAT (Germany), and NEC (Japan). The evolution of the service will also aim for security sensitive user missions, including RPAS missions. The Laser Communication Technology on-board EDRS-D will be the starting point for the world's first global laser based network in space, providing Global Secure Quasi-Real-Time-Services at Gigabit per second speed back to Europe by connecting its EDRS GEO nodes (EDRS-A/-C and EDRS-D) over 80,000 km distance by the means of optical communication. The paper will provide details of the project and information about the latest status.