# SES Demonstrates Rennes Optical Link

SES demonstrated a repeated, two-way optical communications link between a ground station in Rennes, France, and an in-orbit payload as part of technology development for its meoSphere medium Earth orbit network, which is targeted to begin service by 2030. The demonstration shows operational progress in ground-to-space optical communications, but the signal identifies no open solicitation, contract value, or procurement contact.

- Suppliers of optical terminals, satellite platforms, payloads, and network integration may assess how their capabilities align with meoSphere’s planned architecture; the signal does not identify a current procurement opportunity.
- For government connectivity planners and contractors, the demonstration provides a technology development indicator for future satellite communications planning, rather than evidence of an awarded government contract.
- SES’s first-phase development of high-power satellite platforms with K2 Space is the clearest related development identified; no value or specific award year is provided.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- European Union (EU)

### Vendors
- SES (Satellite operator and optical mission lead)
- Mynaric (Optical terminal supplier)
- K2 Space (Satellite platform developer)
- Cailabs (Optical ground station operator)
- Thales Alenia Space (System assembly, integration, testing, and operations support)

### Key Quotes
> Together with our partners, we have successfully and repeatedly transferred data between space and the ground, demonstrating the performance of optical communications in an operational environment.
> — Carmel Ortiz, Senior Vice President of MEO Programs at SES

### Sources
- [SES Demos Ground-to-Space Optical Link for meoSphere](https://www.executivebiz.com/articles/ses-meosphere-pathfinder-1-optical-communications-demo) - ExecutiveBiz