Scottish collaboration explores advanced laser technology for space communications

Three Scottish technology organisations are collaborating on a new project to explore the potential of advanced laser technology for next-generation optical communications in space.

Glasgow-based Craft Prospect is working with Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics and Vector Photonics on PERSEUS (PCSEL Environmental and Radiation Sensitivity: Evaluation for Use in Space), investigating whether photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs) could support high-performance communications between satellites and ground stations.

Funded through the Advanced Connectivity Technologies programme, delivered by Innovate UK and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the project brings together expertise in photonics, laser development and space engineering to explore new approaches to longer-range, higher-capacity and more secure optical communications.

PERSEUS will assess how PCSEL technology performs under conditions relevant to space deployment, including radiation, vibration and thermal-vacuum testing. The project will also explore integration with spacecraft hardware and demonstrate free-space optical data transmission, helping identify the steps needed to progress the technology towards a commercial space communications solution.

The collaboration builds on Scotland’s established expertise in optical communications. Glasgow-based Craft Prospect brings its experience in spacecraft engineering and communications systems, Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics contributes specialist optical systems development capabilities, and Vector Photonics brings its expertise in advanced PCSEL semiconductor laser technology.

The project highlights the strength of Scotland’s critical technologies ecosystem and the opportunities created when specialist organisations combine their capabilities. Bringing together photonics and advanced connectivity, PERSEUS demonstrates how collaboration across critical technologies could enable new developments in space communications and strengthen Scotland’s contribution to this growing market.

Read the original announcement: https://www.craftprospect.com/post/craft-prospect-kicks-off-perseus-project-to-advance-optical-communications-for-space