UK companies to develop Optical Ground Station
OGS will support the capability demonstrator being developed by Dstl in the Titania Free Space Optical Communications research project
QinetiQ is working with Chess Dynamics on a project in the UK to build a relocatable Optical Ground Station (OGS) capable of receiving high-speed data transmissions from space.
The two companies announced a £2.3 million ($3.04 million) contract from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) on 19 November – the same day that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced increased investment in UK military space capabilities.
OGS will support the capability demonstrator being developed by Dstl in the Titania Free Space Optical Communications research project, which aims to develop the science and demonstrate the military utility of low-Earth orbit (LEO) direct-to-earth optical communications.
The OGS Terminal will house an optical exchange telescope provided by QinetiQ, and Chess’ precision tracking equipment will be essential to maintain the accurate tracking essential for data exchange between the OGS and a satellite
Chess and QinetiQ hope that the OGS will enable vastly improved data communications in comparison to traditional communications technologies. Data will be transferred from space at an increased rate and with enhanced resilience, while data will be protected in RF-contested or spectrum-congested environments.
Whilst the immediate benefits of the technology will be seen in the rapid transference of data from satellites to the ground, the OGS project may also help shape long-term decisions for future LEO programmes.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker]()
Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker
The Vision4ce Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT) technology software is designed to process video and images by blending traditional computer vision with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to present actionable information from complex environments.
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
