The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has achieved the UK’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station, marking a major step forward in faster and more secure military communications.
The demonstration was carried out by Oxford based company Archangel Lightworks. During a 90 second pass of a satellite in low Earth orbit, several gigabytes of data were transmitted to an optical ground station in the Mediterranean region. The breakthrough has been compared to upgrading from extremely slow internet to high speed fibre broadband.
Laser communications, also known as free space optical communications, use light instead of radio waves to send information across long distances at very high speeds. The technology is particularly useful for military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, where large amounts of data must be transferred quickly and securely.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said space systems are essential for military operations and communications. He added that laser communications will allow satellites and ground bases to exchange information more quickly and securely, while also reducing the risk of interference from adversaries.
Dstl Chief Executive Dr Paul Hollinshead said the technology will improve the speed, capacity and security of communications between forces operating in the air, on land, at sea and in space. He said this would help personnel share critical information faster than opponents. He also highlighted the importance of partnerships with industry in driving innovation, supporting jobs and creating commercial opportunities.
Dstl has worked closely with Archangel Lightworks, a UK small and medium sized enterprise based in Oxford, to develop the optical ground station used in the trial. The project supports the goals of the Defence Industrial Strategy and the Strategic Defence Review by bringing together specialist industrial and academic partners from across the UK.
Laser communications systems use very low power, non visible light beams rather than radio frequencies. Because light wavelengths are much shorter than radio waves, they can carry significantly more data each second. The narrow beams are also much harder to detect or intercept, reducing the risk of enemy monitoring and limiting interference with other networks and equipment.
The technology is expected to support a wide range of Ministry of Defence capabilities, including the UK’s digital targeting network, and it is designed to work with standards used by the US Space Development Agency.
Archangel Lightworks recently completed a Series A funding round, including investment from the National Security Strategic Investment Fund. The company manufactures its systems in Oxford and is considered a sovereign UK capability that could support future production, deployment and exports.
Find out more at: https://www.archangel.works/technology
Main image for illustration purposes only.
