Making the Netherlands indispensable in laser satellite communication

Light instead of radio waves

In our digital world, the need for faster and more secure communication is greater than ever. This is mainly due to the connectivity of all kinds of smart technologies. The current radio frequency spectrum will not be able to handle all this data in the future.

This is where laser satellite communication offers a promising solution. This technology uses light waves instead of radio waves, providing much higher bandwidth and faster connections. Optical communication is also less prone to interference, making it more reliable and secure for important applications, such as in the military domain. Laser satellite communication can therefore play a vital role in supporting our increasingly data-hungry world.

Making the Netherlands indispensable

Kees Buijsrogge, Director Space & Scientific Instrumentation at TNO: ‘TNO has been active in aerospace for 60 years, developing advanced instruments for telescopes and satellites. We’re now using that technical knowledge and experience in astronomy and Earth observation to force breakthroughs in laser satellite communication.’

‘This is necessary because the rest of the world is not standing still and competition is fierce. But we in the Netherlands, with our many high-tech companies and knowledge institutions, hold all the cards to become an indispensable link for the world in this emerging technology.’

‘A strongly positioned Dutch industry in optical satellite communication is crucial for Europe’s technological sovereignty within a strong NATO. It promotes more secure connectivity with higher bandwidth for both civilian and military applications.’

CubeCAT

Latica Pletikapić Exle is developing compact optical terminals that can be placed in small satellites - such as TNO’s CubeCAT, a powerful 10x10x10 cm terminal that enables bi-directional space-to-ground communication links between the satellite and an optical ground station.

Kees: ‘How difficult this is? Imagine putting a laser on a lighthouse on Texel and precisely pointing it at an envelope on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Then consider that the lighthouse is also moving at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour. This is exactly what we managed to do.’

FSO Instruments

Kees: ‘With our technological innovations, we aim to strengthen the position of the Netherlands and Europe in this rapidly emerging and highly competitive global value chain. That is why we’re actively partnering with Dutch technology companies.’

TNO collaboration with Delft-based FSO Instruments, a joint venture between Demcon and VDL Group, is an example of such a partnership. This partnership allows FSO Instruments to use TNO’s technology and expertise in optical modules and subsystems and components for precision alignment. Will Crowcombe worked in optical technology development at TNO for 10 years and is now the managing director of FSO Instruments: ‘The collaboration with TNO will help us build an international position as a supplier of optical modules and subsystems for laser satellite communications faster.’ Watch the interview with Will Crowcombe >.

Space to shape your career

Latica works at TNO on the technology used for laser satellite communication: ‘The fact that the optical terminal developed by our team in our laboratory in Delft is now delivering successful results in orbit is amazing, isn’t it?’

Kees: ‘At TNO, we work on social goals. That’s what gets us out of bed. You also have a lot of freedom here to design your career in such a way that you can take advantage of all the opportunities.’