Ground-breaking space sector project led by University of Suffolk will see creation of UK’s largest optical research test range
A ground-breaking space sector project is being led by the University of Suffolk.
The first of its kind in the East of England, the large-scale research facility will be part of the Space East hub and will be built at BT’s Adastral Park at Martlesham.
The £4.2 million project will see the creation of the UK’s largest optical research test range.
Craig Brown, investment director at the UK Space Agency, said it marked ‘a significant milestone in advancing our capabilities as a space nation’.
He said: “It will support the development of new technologies to maximise data transfer from satellites, serve as a vital training ground for future engineers and help catalyse more investment into the thriving Space East cluster, which includes the University of Suffolk and BT’s Adastral Park.”
The project will be focused on space-to-ground optical research and will promote engagement between industry and academia in optical and quantum communications, engaging with national and international satellite missions.
Optical communication is distance communication using light to carry information and this new facility will become a crucial training ground for the next generation of engineers, as well as encouraging future investment in East Anglia.
Project partners include Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University, the University of Glasgow, BT, and Honeywell Aerospace Technologies business. The project is also supported by Space East and Suffolk County Council.
Professor Darryl Newport, professor of energy and sustainable development at the University of Suffolk, said: “The optical research lab will enable us to better understand the potential and capabilities of the optical communication channel between earth and satellite.”
Along with the existing Quantum Communication Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS) at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, this will create the first paired quantum optical ground stations in the UK, which will utilise Honeywell’s satellite mission to connect the HOGS and BT sites.
Gabriela Styf Sjoman, MD research and network strategy, BT Group, said: “Developing this world-leading research facility at Adastral Park will enable us to test and trial the integration of optical links and quantum secure channels between terrestrial networks and satellite systems, supercharging our work with partners to accelerate the development of new network capabilities and further cement BT Group’s leading role in the UK telecoms ecosystem.”
Stefan Lespezeanu, senior offering manager for space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, said: “Building a ground station that is capable of optical quantum communication with satellites is key to validating and deploying quantum communications technology in the UK and the rest of the world.
“Honeywell has worked on satellite technology and space mission instruments for over 50 years and we see optical quantum communications as a critical step in meeting future demands for high bandwidth and security. We are excited to apply our technology and expertise to this project.”
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