UK Space Agency funds new laser-based satellite communications system

▤ Summary

This further funding – which brings the total amount awarded to more than £1m – will enable the research team to build and test their laser system over the next 12 months. This poses a significant challenge as it requires technologies normally used on much larger scales to be redesigned and redeveloped to fit into this much smaller device and withstand the atmospheric conditions in space. Their ultimate aim is to develop an off-the-shelf product for major global organisations and telecoms providers which can be sent into orbit easily and cheaply and which will improve data transfer in space. We need to carefully design, test and miniaturise electronic boards, optical lasers, receivers and transmitters which can fit together in the satellites and be ‘space qualified’, meaning they will be tested to ensure they continue to work at an optimal level whilst in orbit, dealing with the impact of radiation, atmospheric drag and extremely cold space temperatures.” Cyril Bourgenot, technology development lead at Durham University’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation added: “This new technology will enable communication between satellites at an unprecedented speed. The University’s Solar-Terrestrial Science research group is leading studies to monitor and predict space weather to reduce the risks this poses to communications systems, satellites and power grids, while the Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory is leading studies into the impact of reduced gravity on astronauts’ bodies and how this can be translated into conditions commonly faced on Earth, such as back pain.

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$10M to $25M