CELESTE is a high-impact strategic initiative led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), designed to position the Canary Islands as a global benchmark for advanced research and technological innovation in optical technologies and New Space.
By integrating excellence in science, engineering and industry collaboration, CELESTE strengthens two closely connected domains: advanced optical systems and space technologies.
At the core of the initiative is the creation of a durable, self-sustaining Centre of Excellence (CoE) embedded within IACTEC, the IAC’s division dedicated to technological development and industrial cooperation.
Through this framework, CELESTE amplifies regional strengths in high-level scientific research, cutting-edge optical technologies, and the consolidation of a robust and sustainable innovation ecosystem.
A strategic European initiative
CELESTE officially commenced on 1 January 2025 and will run until 2030. The programme is supported by European funding, complemented by regional and insular public investment, and has been formally recognised as a strategic project in the fields of astrophysics, space and aeronautics.
The initiative is fully aligned with the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) of the Canary Islands (2021–2027), which aims to reinforce international leadership in astrophysics and space sciences while maximising the socio-economic impact of scientific and technological activity across the region.
Within this context, CELESTE plays a key role in advancing applied research and industrial innovation in space and optical technologies.
International collaboration and scientific excellence
International cooperation is a cornerstone of CELESTE. The project maintains close partnerships with leading organisations such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), providing access to world-class expertise in areas including:
- Design and development of advanced astronomical and space instrumentation
- Quantum and optical communication technologies for secure space-to-Earth data transmission
- Manufacturing of ultra-high-precision optical components
- Strategic, organisational and managerial expertise to support sustainable research and innovation structures
These collaborations promote knowledge transfer, researcher mobility, and long-term scientific cooperation at both the European and global levels, reinforcing CELESTE’s position in the international landscape of optical technologies and space research.
Objectives and scope
CELESTE is conceived as a long-term investment in scientific and technological autonomy to establish an independent and resilient Centre of Excellence. Its key goals include:
- Building stable alliances with international organisations and ensuring long-term financial sustainability
- Promoting advanced training programmes, researcher mobility and knowledge exchange to attract and retain highly qualified talent
- Designing, implementing and operating a new generation of high-technology laboratories focused on space and optical technologies
- Developing a strong innovation ecosystem that integrates scientific research, technological development, industry and society
The project addresses both fundamental research and applied innovation, with a strong emphasis on capacity building, technology transfer and future industrial and commercial exploitation of advanced optical technologies.
CELESTE laboratories
CELESTE’s scientific and technological activities are supported by a coordinated network of specialised laboratories located within IACTEC.
Together, these facilities form the structural backbone of the project, offering complementary expertise across optics, photonics, opto-mechanics, adaptive optics, satellite payloads and quantum communications:
- Quantum & Optical Communications Lab
- SPACE-Lab
- LIOM (Laboratory for Innovation in Opto-Mechanics)
- Adaptive Optics Lab
- Advanced Optical Systems Lab
From research to impact
By strengthening IACTEC’s technological capabilities and expanding its laboratory infrastructure, CELESTE drives the development of next-generation optical systems, space instrumentation and quantum technologies.
The initiative bridges fundamental research and real-world application, fostering innovation with clear scientific, industrial and societal impact.
CELESTE is funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101136736, with additional support from the Gobierno de Canarias and the Cabildo de Tenerife.
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
