Artificial Star Above Potsdam: How Berlin Laser Technology Helps Explore the Universe

Potsdam, June 9, 2026 – An artificial star above Potsdam became a visible symbol of a regional success story on Monday evening. During a joint event hosted by the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) and TOPTICA EAGLEYARD, representatives from science, industry, and business gathered to celebrate the international significance of the Berlin-Brandenburg region as a hub for photonics, laser technologies, and space innovation.

The highlight of the evening was a live demonstration of a guide star laser from TOPTICA PROJECTS. This technology creates an artificial reference star in the Earth’s atmosphere, enabling modern large-scale telescopes to compensate for atmospheric distortions. The result is significantly sharper images of the universe – a key technology for modern astronomy. Guests experienced this technology firsthand through the striking display of a yellow laser beam projected into the night sky above Potsdam.

However, the real story extends far beyond this spectacular moment. Today, Berlin-Brandenburg ranks among the world’s leading locations for photonics and laser technology. Companies and research institutions throughout the region develop key technologies that are used in science, industry, medical technology, and increasingly in space applications.

“When people think about space, they often think first of rockets or satellites. What is less visible are the enabling technologies behind them. This is precisely where Berlin-Brandenburg is among the world’s leading regions. The region develops technologies that help us better understand the universe and make future space missions possible in the first place,” said Claus Heitmann, Managing Director of TOPTICA EAGLEYARD. The company develops and manufactures high-power laser diodes for demanding applications in science, industry, life sciences, and space. These laser diodes are used worldwide wherever the highest levels of precision, reliability, and performance are required, including in missions conducted by NASA and ESA.

The event took place following the international EPIC Technology Meeting on Photonics for Space and New Space and brought together renowned representatives of the European photonics industry. The program included presentations on astronomical research, the future of the European photonics industry, and space missions that rely on state-of-the-art photonics technologies.

“When experts from across Europe, international companies, research institutions, and representatives of major space projects come to Potsdam, it demonstrates the growing influence of this location. The EPIC Technology Meeting clearly highlighted that Berlin-Brandenburg has become one of Europe’s most important centers for photonics and space technologies. We are proud to have hosted this international platform,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Roth of AIP.

Particular emphasis was placed on the close collaboration between research institutions and companies in the region. While institutions such as AIP focus on fundamental research, companies like TOPTICA EAGLEYARD transform innovative technologies into reliable industrial products that can be manufactured at scale. “The strength of our region lies not only in excellent research, but above all in our ability to turn that research into market-ready technologies. Here, research meets industry—and ideas become solutions with global impact,” Heitmann continued.

The event made one thing clear: many of the technologies that contribute to exploring the universe today or enable future space applications are being developed not only in major international space centers, but also in laboratories, research institutes, and companies throughout Berlin and Brandenburg.

“Anyone who attended this evening experienced what becomes possible when outstanding research meets strong industry. Many of the technologies that will shape the future are already being developed today in Berlin and Brandenburg. That is something we can be proud of—and something we should communicate with confidence,” Claus Heitmann concluded.