Space Research Project Set For Lift Off

A ground breaking space sector project led by the University of Suffolk will see the creation of the UK’s largest optical research test range.

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 £4.2million 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.

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.”

Stuart Catchpole from Space East said the project will greatly enhance the work of the Space East cluster.

“It will be an important facility for the advancement of free space optical communications technologies and solutions.

“It will deliver growth of space sector expertise in the region, skills development, acting as a catalyst for new space sector businesses and engagement locally, nationally and internationally.”

Dr Ross Donaldson from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh is leading the project’s sister site development.

He said: “We are delighted to be able to leverage and develop further our existing Optical Ground Station (HOGS) located at Heriot-Watt University to 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.

“This investment will allow us to host an advanced optical payload, providing "plug and play" access for UK and International teams seeking to engage with the mission.”

Craig Brown, Investment Director at the UK Space Agency said: “The establishment of the UK's largest optical research test range marks a significant milestone in advancing our capabilities as a space nation.

“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.

“This is another important project delivered through our Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund, which has secured over £45m/£38m in public/private investment to date for the space sector across the UK.”

Gabriela Styf Sjoman, MD Research and Network Strategy, BT Group said: “BT Group’s Research team is continuously innovating around network technology, pioneering the next generation of communication capabilities to deliver the ultimate converged customer experience.

“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.”

The University of Suffolk’s DigiTech Centre is based at Adastral Park and includes its Smart House which has been hailed as a living laboratory looking at sustainable living.

(For more information about the DigiTech go to DigiTech Centre | University of Suffolk (uos.ac.uk)