In a concrete maze at Vilnius Tech University, Astrolight is building what it calls an “optical data highway” for space.
The Lithuanian start-up has raised €2.8 million to create secure laser communication that links satellites and Earth — invisible, powerful, and difficult to intercept.
With 70,000 satellites expected in orbit within five years, the demand for faster, secure data transfer is soaring.
Astrolight’s laser tech is already helping the Lithuanian Navy send messages silently, and NATO sees major potential in its defence use.
“If you turn on your radio in Ukraine, you’re a target,” says CEO Laurynas Maciulis. “Our lasers are almost undetectable.”
The company is part of NATO’s Diana project, which accelerates defence-focused civilian technologies — a timely move as regional tensions grow.
Lithuania, despite a modest £2.5 billion defence budget, punches above its weight by investing over 3% of GDP in security.
That figure may rise to 5.5%, signalling serious commitment amid rising geopolitical pressure in the Baltic region.
Space is now central to national defence, and 30% of Lithuania’s space projects are EU-funded — nearly double the average.
Another start-up, Blackswan Space, has created autonomous navigation for satellites, useful both in orbit and during cyber warfare.
Its executive, Tomas Malinauskas, argues Lithuania should invest locally, not spend millions on foreign drones.
“We could build our own communication system with small satellites,” he insists.
From lasers to space medicine, Lithuania’s small but fierce tech sector is carving its place in global defence — and sending a clear message.
Photo: Wikipedia
