UK delves into free-space optical communications
Free-space optics as envisaged by DARPA in its FOENEX programme. (Photo: DARPA)
Dstl seeks to accelerate military decision-making via lasers for the rapid transfer of ISR data.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) on 9 August announced a £9.5 million ($13.15 million) contract for UK company In-Space Missions to build the Titania communications research satellite.
The contract was awarded under the Serapis Lot 2 commercial framework run by Dstl in collaboration with BAE Systems.
When launched in 2023, the compact satellite will support the Titania Operational Concept Demonstrator which is exploring the military utility of low Earth orbit (LEO) direct-to-earth free-space optical communications (FSOC).
By transmitting data at high speeds (many gigabytes per second) via narrow laser beam between two specific points, ‘FSOC has the potential to transform military communications with its ability to transfer large volumes of data, with a low risk of detection or interception’, Dstl and the MoD noted in a joint statement.
The end result should be faster military decision-making via the rapid transfer of ISR data.
Dstl space programme manager Dr Mike O’Callaghan said: ‘The Titania space mission will accelerate the development and adoption of space-based optical communications, allowing our Armed Forces the ability to operate in an increasingly contested environment.’
More from Defence Notes
-
![Canada’s new military drone marketplace targets rapid acquisition pipeline]()
Canada’s new military drone marketplace targets rapid acquisition pipeline
The Department of National Defence expects initial contracts to deliver thousands of uncrewed systems, but has yet to establish the quantities, capability mix or deadline behind Ottawa’s promised tenfold expansion.
-
![UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour]()
UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour
A report from the Council on Geostrategy argues the UK should move away from a traditional balanced force and shift investment to naval, air and space capabilities, backed by a larger fleet of attack submarines and deeper AUKUS integration.
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
![Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny]()
Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny
Governments worldwide are scrambling to decouple defence supply chains from dependency upon strategic rivals, but countries could struggle to do it all themselves.
