Gov Funded Spire Global UK Test Innovative Optical Inter-Satellite Links

The government has revealed that a new satellite developed in Scotland by Spire Global UK, which features an innovative optical (laser) inter-satellite link (ISL) payload, has just been launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-16 mission. The mission aims to “significantly reduce data latency” between satellites, which could aid aviation, maritime, weather and space-weather services etc.

The launch, which was supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) under the Pioneer Partnership Projects, actually represents Spire’s seventh Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) satellite. But this one is designed to demonstrate “high-speed” next generation laser crosslinks on a compact 6U platform (typically reflecting a tiny 6U CubeSat measuring roughly 10 x 20 x 30cm or 10 x 10 x 60cm).

This technology enables satellites to communicate directly in orbit using laser links, facilitating faster, more secure data delivery and reducing reliance on ground station proximity (Starlink has been doing something similar for a while to help support their broadband and mobile services, albeit on much larger satellites). Once validated this is expected to support near-real-time global data delivery across nanosatellite constellations.

The Pioneer Programme falls within the programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES).

Henny Sands, Head of Telecommunications at the UKSA, said:

“This Transporter-16 launch marks an important step forward for the UK’s ambitions in next-generation satellite communications. By supporting both breakthrough optical technologies and high-volume production methods, we are enabling British companies to lead in the markets that will define the future of global connectivity.”

Spire can now also apply to an open funding call from the UKSA’s Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, with £30 million currently available to support the development of new components and technologies for satellite constellations, with a further funding call due to open later this year.

“The government has identified satellite communications as a priority area for further support, due to its increasingly important role in both civil and defence applications, from delivering broadband services to remote areas to providing secure connectivity for military operations,” said the announcement.