Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

A demonstration of laser technology has paved the way for a transformational leap in faster and more secure communications for the UK’s armed forces.

Archangel Lightworks TERRA-M optical ground station

The UK’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station has been achieved by Archangel Lightworks for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The demonstration will now provide a way for faster and more secure communications for the UK’s armed forces.

During a 90-second satellite pass, many gigabits of data were downloaded from a satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO) to an optical ground station located in the Mediterranean region. This transformational leap is like moving from very slow internet to superfast fibre broadband.

Also known as free space optical communications, laser communications enables high-speed transmissions over long distances. This is ideal for military applications such as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance where large volumes of information must be sent quickly to give UK forces an operational advantage over adversaries.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said:

Space is crucial for how our armed forces communicate, allowing our sailors, soldiers and aviators to conduct the operations which keep the UK and our allies safe.

By developing laser communications we’re dramatically increasing how quickly and securely our satellites can talk to our bases on Earth, protecting these communications from interference and giving us an advantage over our adversaries.

Dstl Chief Executive, Dr Paul Hollinshead, said:

Laser communications will vastly improve the speed, size and security of data between our forces, whether they are in the air, on land, at sea or in space. This will greatly increase the security of our forces who will be able to convey critical information faster than their adversary.