AAC Clyde Space Partnerships Boost Laser Communications

AAC Clyde Space has secured rights to leverage TNO’s optical technology for manufacturing and distributing laser satellite communication terminals. Additionally, FSO Instruments will serve as a supplier for a core optical component of the terminal, also derived from TNO’s technology. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

AAC Clyde Space is working to develop a commercially viable laser communication terminal for small satellites which can be produced on a large scale. Its agreement with TNO grants AAC Clyde Space the right to use TNO’s laser communication terminal technology for a period of twenty years.

A laser communication terminal for small satellites is shown. AAC Clyde Space has partnered with TNO and FSO Instruments to supply laser communication technology that it will integrate with technology from its subsidiary AAC Hyperion. Courtesy of FSO Instruments.

To fully develop the terminal, AAC Clyde Space needs additional optical technology, which will be provided by FSO Instruments. FSO Instruments entered into a similar license agreement to build on TNO’s work in optical heads, optical benches, and a system for coarse pointing alignment.

The terminal will also utilize technology from its Netherlands-based subsidiary AAC Hyperion for onboard electronics, drivers, and software to the laser system. By cross licensing TNO’s optical technologies, it establishes a supply chain for the production of small satellite communication terminals based in the Netherlands.

Laser satellite communication provides links between ground stations, satellites, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. When transmitting in the infrared, laser communication can achieve data transfer speeds of 100-1000× faster than the radio frequencies currently used for communications.

During a demonstration in January, a successful link was established between the terminal onboard a Norwegian satellite and the TNO optical ground station in The Hague.