Breakthrough Laser Signals from German Satellite Pave Way for Faster Space Communication

In a breakthrough that could revolutionize space communication, researchers at the University of Western Australia’s TeraNet have successfully captured laser signals from a German satellite in low Earth orbit. This achievement paves the way for a 1,000-fold increase in communication bandwidth between space and Earth.

Led by Associate Professor Sascha Schediwy, the TeraNet team received laser signals from OSIRISv1, a laser communication payload on University of Stuttgart’s Flying Laptop satellite, using two optical ground stations during flybys last Thursday.

The technology uses lasers instead of traditional radio waves to transfer data between satellites and users on Earth, potentially transferring data at 1000s of gigabits per second. This innovation addresses the critical space bottleneck in getting data back to Earth, which has grown with the increasing number of satellites in space. Key partners involved in this project include the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the European Space Agency’s New Norcia facility.

Revolutionizing Space Communications: TeraNet Captures Laser Signals from German Satellite

The University of Western Australia’s TeraNet, a network of optical ground stations specializing in high-speed space communications, has successfully received laser signals from a German satellite in low Earth orbit. This breakthrough paves the way for a 1,000-fold increase in communication bandwidth between space and Earth.

TeraNet’s achievement is significant because traditional wireless radio technology, used to communicate from space since the launch of Sputnik 1 nearly 70 years ago, has remained relatively unchanged. As the number of satellites in space has grown, each capable of generating more data, a critical space bottleneck has emerged in getting data back to Earth. Laser communication is perfectly suited to solving this problem, as it can potentially transfer data at 1000s of gigabits per second due to its higher frequency operation compared to radio.

The TeraNet team, led by Associate Professor Sascha Schediwy from the UWA node at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), received laser signals from OSIRISv1, a laser communication payload from the Institute of Communications and Navigation of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). OSIRISv1 is installed on University of Stuttgart’s Flying Laptop satellite. The signals were detected using two of the TeraNet optical ground stations during flybys of the satellite.

Overcoming the Challenges of Laser Communication

One of the main challenges of laser communication is that laser signals can be interrupted by clouds and rain. To mitigate this, the TeraNet team is establishing a network of three ground stations spread across Western Australia. This means that if it’s cloudy at one ground station site, the satellite can download its data to another site with clear skies.

In addition, one of the two TeraNet ground stations that received the satellite laser signal is built on the back of a custom-built Jeep truck. This mobile optical communications network allows for rapid deployment to sites that need ultra-fast space communications, such as remote communities where traditional communications links have been cut off due to natural disasters.

Applications of High-Speed Laser Communication

High-speed laser communication from space will revolutionize data transfer for Earth observation satellites, significantly enhance and secure military communication networks, and bolster secure remote operations for sectors such as autonomous mining operations, as well as national disaster planning and responses. The technology has the potential to transform various industries that rely on satellite communications.

TeraNet’s Network and Funding

The ICRAR-based TeraNet team received funding from the Australian Government, the Western Australian Government, and UWA in 2023 as part of the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars Demonstrator Mission grant program. The $6.3m project supports the construction of the three TeraNet optical ground stations in Western Australia, with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) providing in-kind access to their laser communications-equipped on-orbit satellites.

TeraNet will support multiple international space missions operating between low Earth orbit and the Moon, using both proven conventional optical communications standards and more advanced optical technologies including deep-space communication, ultra-high-speed coherent communications, quantum-secured communications, and optical positioning and timing. The network comprises a ground station at UWA, a second ground station at the Mingenew Space Precinct 300km north of Perth, and a mobile ground station being commissioned at the European Space Agency’s New Norcia facility.

Future Prospects

The successful capture of laser signals from a German satellite marks a significant milestone in the development of TeraNet. As the network expands and matures, it is expected to play a critical role in supporting future space missions and transforming various industries that rely on satellite communications. With its potential to revolutionize data transfer and secure communication networks, TeraNet is poised to make a significant impact on the global space industry.