Mission
FSO Instruments makes laser communications ready for prime time. It’s about creating a world where connection knows no boundaries. At FSO Instruments, we are harnessing the power of laser communication to shape the future of global connectivity. In an era where satellites are transforming the way we live, work, and protect our planet, we are driving the industrialization needed to keep up with this revolution.
Vision
The market for optical communication technology is growing radpidly, and The Netherlands has a strong base in advanced optomechatronics technology and manufacturing. FSO Instruments grasps the opportunity to become the best OEM of optical heads for free space and manufacturer of optical terminals. We build on the strengths of our joint venture partners, DEMCON and VDL Groep, to establish a strong Dutch ecosystem for optical communication.
Impact
It’s not just about innovation – it’s about impact. Earth observation helps build climate models, monitors forest fires, enables more efficient agriculture and much more. Our optical terminals provide the backbone to get all this information to the people that need it. Every connection our technology makes brings people together, enhances global collaboration, and empowers a better future. Our team, our technology, and our mission are all aligned with one purpose: to ensure that tomorrow’s world is more connected, more secure, and more sustainable than ever before. This is what drives us, and this is why our work matters.
FSO instruments
FSO Instruments develops and supplies laser communication components, sub-systems, and terminals. The company was founded in 2023 and combines the strength of its shareholders Demcon and VDL to industrialize laser communication technology developed by TNO, a large government laboratory. Early 2024, an In Orbit Demonstrator developed by TNO terminal made a successful connection to the TNO ground station from LEO, thus securing space flight heritage for the world’s fastest 1U laser terminal.
FSO industrializes and sells systems based on this technology, working with partners to establish a European ecosystem for laser satellite communication based in the Netherlands. In addition laser satellite communication, FSO products can also serve airborne and ground applications.
Parent companies
DEMCON
Demcon develops, produces, and supplies technology and innovative products. The company originated from the passion of the founders Dennis Schipper and Peter Rutgers for combining creativity and technical skills aimed at solving complex issues. These issues are of a technological and social nature and often have a direct or indirect influence on people and their environment. Whether it concerns medical solutions, systems that monitor our safety or sustainable innovations for themes such as water and energy, Demcon contributes – for current and future generations. Demcon has a strong heritage in design and engineering of high precision opto-mechatronic systems. In addition to developing technical solutions, Demcon focuses on stimulating entrepreneurship and investing in talent and education. The Demcon group has 9 locations, over 1100 employees and a turnover of 140 Million Euro.
VDL
VDL Enabling Technologies Group (VDL ETG) designs, develops and manufactures complex high-tech products, tools and machines. The combination of engineering expertise and modern production facilities makes VDL ETG unique and enables a wide range of possibilities. VDL ETG in Almelo is where the space ecosystem unites. Leveraging cross-industry capabilities, they support the entire manufacturing process: from (co)-design, value engineering, and supply chain management to production, assembly, and quality control. With over 18,300 m² of cleanroom space, more than 16,000 m² of production facilities, and extensive expertise in complex opto-mechatronics for the high-tech industry, they are a reliable supply chain partner who already build some of the most complex systems on the planet. From optical laser communication to full assembly, integration and testing for satellite manufacturing, they provide scaleable and reliable manufacturing for the space industry.
VDL ETG is part of FSO Instrument’s Joint Venture partner VDL Groep; an industrial Dutch family business with over 100 companies, 15,000 employees and a turnover of over 6 billion.
Our team
We combine the agility and innovative spirit of a startup with the support and resources of established industry leaders like Demcon, VDL, and TNO. This unique blend fosters an environment where groundbreaking ideas thrive and cutting-edge technologies are developed and industrialized.