How laser communications are transforming UK space capabilities
A landmark optical downlink from low Earth orbit signals a new era of speed, security and sovereign capability for the British Armed Forces.
The UK has achieved a significant milestone in defence communications technology. Archangel Lightworks, an Oxford-based SME, has successfully completed the country's first optical downlink from space on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), demonstrating laser communications technology that could fundamentally reshape how the Armed Forces send and receive information.
During a 90-second pass of a satellite in low Earth orbit over a ground station in the Mediterranean region, many gigabits of data were transmitted using free space optical (FSO) communications. It is the difference between dial-up internet and superfast fibre broadband.
Why laser communications matter for defence
Traditional satellite communications rely on radio frequency (RF) transmissions, which are relatively wide in beam, susceptible to interception, and increasingly contested in a congested electromagnetic environment. Laser communications work on a fundamentally different principle: using very low-power, non-visible light with a much shorter wavelength than radio waves.
Key advantages over radio frequency
- Transmits far more data per second due to shorter wavelength
- Extremely narrow beams which are very difficult for adversaries to detect or intercept
- Minimal interference with other networks and equipment
- Effective in congested and contested electromagnetic environments
- Ideal for ISR missions requiring rapid transfer of large data volumes
Beyond the technical achievement, this demonstration carries significant industrial and strategic weight. Laser communications will improve the speed and security of data flows across all domains, air, land, sea, cyber, and space. Critically, it also exemplifies the Defence Industrial Strategy and the Strategic Defence Review in action, drawing on the talent of specialist SMEs and academic partners from across the UK's supplier ecosystem.
What comes next?
The technology is already being considered for integration into the UK's digital targeting web and is designed to be interoperable with the US Space Development Agency standard, a key enabler for allied operations. With applications spanning Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and beyond, optical communications could soon become a core layer of the UK's military data infrastructure.
For techUK members operating across the defence, space and deep tech sectors, this milestone signals both a maturing market opportunity and a government committed to investing in sovereign, cutting-edge communications capability. The UK's first optical downlink is not the end of the story — it is very much the beginning.
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Meet the team
Tales Gaspar
Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar
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Sophie Greaves
Associate Director, Digital Infrastructure, techUK
Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Telecoms Programme, the Data Centres Programme, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Sophie leads our work across telecoms networks, security and resilience, supply chain diversification, advanced communications technologies, spectrum policy, and data centres - bringing these areas together into a dedicated Digital Infrastructure unit. She was previously Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy.
Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 0207 331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/
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Josh Turpin
Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/
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