TeraNet enhances Space-to-Earth data transfer with laser comms

TeraNet enhances Space-to-Earth data transfer with laser comms
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jul 17, 2024

The University of Western Australia's TeraNet, a network of optical ground stations focused on high-speed space communications, has successfully captured laser signals from a German satellite in low Earth orbit. This achievement signals a potential 1,000-fold increase in communication bandwidth between space and Earth.

Led by Associate Professor Sascha Schediwy from the UWA node at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), the TeraNet team received laser signals from OSIRISv1, a laser communication payload developed by the Institute of Communications and Navigation of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). OSIRISv1, which is mounted on the University of Stuttgart's Flying Laptop satellite, transmitted signals detected by two TeraNet optical ground stations during the satellite's flybys last Thursday.

"This demonstration is the critical first step in establishing a next-generation space communications network across Western Australia. The next steps include joining this network to other optical ground stations currently being developed in Australia and across the world," Associate Professor Schediwy said.

TeraNet's ground stations utilize lasers instead of traditional wireless radio signals for data transmission between satellites and Earth. Lasers, operating at much higher frequencies than radio waves, can transfer data at thousands of gigabits per second, significantly increasing data throughput.

Since the launch of Sputnik 1 nearly 70 years ago, wireless radio technology has been the standard for space communication. However, the increasing number of satellites and the data they generate have created a bottleneck in data transmission back to Earth. Laser communication offers a solution to this issue, though it can be hindered by clouds and rain. TeraNet mitigates this problem by distributing its ground stations across Western Australia, ensuring at least one station can maintain a clear line of sight with the satellite.

One of the two ground stations that received the laser signal is mounted on a custom-built Jeep truck, allowing for rapid deployment to sites needing high-speed space communications, such as remote communities cut off by natural disasters.

High-speed laser communication from space promises to revolutionize data transfer for Earth observation satellites, enhance military communication networks, and support secure remote operations for sectors such as autonomous mining and national disaster planning and response.

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

TeraNet will facilitate multiple international space missions operating between low Earth orbit and the Moon, using both conventional optical communications standards and advanced technologies like deep-space communication, ultra-high-speed coherent communications, quantum-secured communications, and optical positioning and timing.

The network includes a ground station at UWA, another at the Mingenew Space Precinct 300km north of Perth, and a mobile ground station currently being commissioned at the European Space Agency's New Norcia facility.