Oxford-based laser communications company Archangel Lightworks has successfully completed field trials of the TERRA-M, the world's smallest deployable operational optical ground station. 

The trials were funded by the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and saw the ground station, which is approximately the size of a mini-fridge, securely and rapidly transfer data between itself and a satellite in low-Earth orbit (LEO). 

The TERRA-M was placed in an unspecified location in the Mediterranean and, during a 90-second satellite pass, many gigabytes of data were downloaded, proving the capability of its laser communications technology.

Laser communications transmit information using very low power, non-visible light instead of radio waves. As light has a much shorter wavelength than radio waves, it can transmit more data per second. These narrow beams are very difficult to detect and intercept, and also reduce the chance of overlap or interference with other networks and equipment.

Dr Paul Hollinshead, Dstl chief executive, 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.”

Today, links between satellites and the ground are reliant on radio transmission, which is bandwidth constrained, finite and not secure. Archangel Lightworks has developed wireless laser communications technology to solve this space-ground connectivity problem and make it more accessible by driving down the size, weight, power and cost of optical ground stations. 

A fraction of the size of traditional optical ground stations, its TERRA-M product features an optical head that is just 1.1 metre tall and 0.7 metres in diameter. It does not require an external dome, is easily transportable by light vehicle or aircraft, and can be readily deployed on the roof of a building.

The TERRA-M’s diminutive size also means it can easily be deployed far from existing communications infrastructure and, unlike existing optical ground stations, it does not need a dedicated building of its own, or a fixed protective dome. Its modular design was developed to enable broad interoperability with a wide range of laser communication standards and terminals.

Richard Johanson, CEO of Archangel Lightworks, said: “The TERRA-M is uniquely capable of rapid, secure data transfer with satellites while also being small enough to be deployed and redeployed at the point of need.

“We are on a pathway to providing resilient, large-scale deployable networks of optical ground stations, the demand for space-based information and connectivity solutions continues to grow exponentially, and we are pleased that our technology will play a role in this exciting new global communications infrastructure.”

Dstl is interested in this technology because laser communications will allow the Ministry of Defence to communicate in an increasingly contested and congested electromagnetic environment.

Beyond defence applications, the technology also has broad commercial potential, including bringing high-volume satellite communications to communities on Earth that currently lack connectivity.

Space minister Liz Lloyd said: “The successful trials of the TERRA-M show the UK is at the forefront of laser communications, developing the kind of cutting-edge products that will underpin the future of global connectivity.

“Investing in homegrown capability like this strengthens our national security, drives economic growth, and brings opportunities to communities that need them most. The UK government is proud to have supported Archangel Lightworks, and this is a clear demonstration of what our space sector can deliver.”