Experts from the University of Nottingham are part of a project that has been awarded funding to help develop ultra-fast satellite communications technology, delivering the first satellites in a planned network designed to relay data between satellites and the ground much more quickly.
The STARS project is led by Exobotics Ltd and is being delivered in partnership with the University of Nottingham's Faculty of Engineering and Archangel Lightworks and has been awarded just over £2million.
STARS is one of 16 projects awarded funding by The UK Space Agency through a £13 million government investment, supporting the companies and workers developing the satellite communications systems the UK will depend on for decades to come.
Satellites are the backbone of modern life, powering the navigation apps we rely on, the weather forecasts that keep us safe from storms and extreme heat, and the broadband connections that keep friends and family in touch.
The space sector is one of the UK's strongest drivers of growth and opportunity – employing more than 55,000 people and bringing £18.6 billion into the economy every year. This investment will take UK space to the next frontier – backing the innovators developing the faster, smarter and more secure satellite systems which will keep us safe and our economy moving.
The STARS project was selected under the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit Programme 2 and will develop and demonstrate a next-generation optical communications capability designed to provide ultra-fast, resilient and near real-time connectivity for satellite operators. The project will deliver the first satellites in a planned future data relay network, helping address growing demand for rapid transfer of mission-critical data.
Laser communications are the future of connectivity. Thanks to the support of UKSA, we hope to push the frontier of what is possible and lay the foundations of network connectivity for users everywhere.
The 16 projects will be delivered as part of the European Space Agency's Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) programme, backed by £13 million in UK Government funding.
This investment shows the true breadth of UK space innovation and how innovations in the UK's satellite sector can improve lives, with better connectivity delivering internet access for more train journeys, and smarter farming. through more reliable connections through to support for our farming communities. By backing brilliant British companies, we are not only furthering our status as one of the world's leading space powers, but creating high-quality jobs and new opportunities across the UK.
Read about all the projects awarded funding here.
