A SCOTS university has started work on a new a state-of-the-art telescope which could help to stymie cyberattacks.
The Quantum Communications Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS), which is being built on Heriot-Watt University’s Research Park, will hope to demonstrate and test satellite quantum secure communications.
Scheduled to be fully operational by late autumn, the facility aims to help tackle future cyberattacks by researching methods to send secure transmissions via satellites.
The facility will also attempt to allow for a space to unlock new research on space environmentalism alongside R&D for future laser communication networks.
This in turn could provide high bandwidth communications services like 6G.
The space will feature a plethora of cameras, sensors and other photonic technologies enabling HOGS to try to expand how it can be used for both UK-based and international researchers and industry contacts.
HOGS will also be directly connected to a new university campus optical fibre network, being developed alongside the project, allowing teams to demonstrate deployment of a range of communication networks.
With these new capabilities, scientists will aim to support space environmentalism by finding debris, tracking satellites and developing new methods for finding objects and improving identification.
The telescope may also open opportunities for teams to explore new de-orbiting techniques for small space-debris using lasers.
The facility is being built as part of the Quantum Communications Hub project, funded through the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme.
This is part of a collaborative effort which also involves the Universities of Bristol, Strathclyde, and York.
Space engineering expertise is being provided by the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s RAL Space Facility.
Other UK researchers with relevant interests in experimental satellite quantum communications will be invited to work onsite using the modern telescope to track satellite paths.
Heriot-Watt will hope the new HOGS facility will represent a major step towards creating a ‘space cluster’ on the institution’s Edinburgh campus.
The university’s students, from undergraduate to PhD, will be able to use the new facilities as part of their study.
Local school children will be hosted onsite to try to build their knowledge and understanding of satellite communications and astronomy.
Dr Ross Donaldson, project leader and associate professor at Heriot-Watt University, said: “We want to show that UK scientists have the capabilities to deliver satellite quantum-based communications.
“Creating secure global connectivity is the goal and we look forward to demonstrating our abilities once the Optical Ground Station is up and running.
“This new facility will provide UK and international teams with the opportunity to trial new techniques and technologies for innovative R&D as well as space environmentalism.
“Our high latitude location offers us the chance to track space junk and debris in polar orbits for long periods of time, which may allow us to identify smaller objects.”
Professor Tim Spiller, director of the Quantum Communications Hub, said: “Satellites will form an essential part of future worldwide quantum communications and in-orbit demonstrator missions are essential in proving the UK’s capabilities.
“The ground-based receiver is clearly a key element of any mission, and we look forward to the Hub Optical Ground Station becoming operational at Heriot-Watt University.”
Professor Gill Murray, deputy principal of business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Heriot-Watt University is at the forefront of creating and supporting new growth sectors.
“Our new Optical Ground Station will create a dynamic new environment where innovation is encouraged.
“We have seen an explosion in growth within the space technology sector and higher education has a key role to play to capitalise on this growth.
“By actively engaging with businesses that operate in the space sector, we can push the boundaries of what is possible.
“Our researchers and students bring fresh perspectives, diverse skill sets, and a passion for discovery.
“Through forging partnerships with industry partners, business leaders and government, we can fully maximise resources like the new Optical Ground Station to channel academic energy into practical solutions.”
Graham McPhail, head of property strategy at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Having the Optical Ground Station on the university’s campus further elevates Heriot-Watt’s space and quantum potential.
“As the largest and most prominent of Scotland’s science-based parks, with more than 1,000 staff working across 28 organisations, companies occupying Heriot-Watt Research Park can make full use of the amenities available.
“Every day the campus is filled with our talented students, researchers and existing industry partners including Celestia UK, renowned for its expertise in antenna systems for satellite tracking.
“We are also supporting the university’s wider sustainability goals, ensuring we use existing campus infrastructure and minimise transport costs wherever possible.
“Operating from the campus means students that are studying our new Aerospace Engineering degree and aligned qualifications can benefit from access.”
Last month, Heriot-Watt announced it will lead a new quantum research hub that aims to develop technologies to progress an ultra-secure quantum internet of the future.
The Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub is one of five new quantum technology hubs announced by the UK government as part of a £160m investment to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of these revolutionary technologies.
The IQN Hub will build on the work of the current Quantum Communications Hub, including space, to create new use cases for HOGS in the future
