BridgeSat Teams with Surrey Satellite US on Optical Satcom Solution

A NASA digital rendering of satellite optical communications. Photo: NASA

[Via Satellite 04-12-2016] BridgeSat, designer of an optical communications network for SmallSats and aerial platforms, has partnered with Surrey Satellite Technology US to develop a free-space optical communications system. The planned system would provide secure data downlinks from satellites to a proprietary ground network at faster speeds than equivalent radio frequency solutions.

Under this partnership, Surrey will build the flight laser terminal units that will communicate with BridgeSat’s global ground network. The solution is expected to transmit data at up to 10 gigabits per second, per link, and will leverage technologies such as advanced forward-error correction and a “smart” module to achieve pointing accuracy. Surrey’s optical communications terminal will be equipped with a standardized interface, allowing the terminals to be used on either Surrey satellites or as flight units for other satellite providers.

“With this partnership, we have a unique opportunity to bring a more accessible, faster optical solution to the SmallSat market at a lower cost. With each unit at a mass of 1.5 kilogram or less and power under 25 watts, we see this solution as a game changer for eliminating data downlink constraints for the commercial satellite community,” said Clare Martin, VP of programs for Surrey.