Vicky Maggiani, Author at Defence Online

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The UK has crossed a significant threshold in defence communications capability, with Dstl and Oxford-based SME Archangel Lightworks completing the country's first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station. During a 90-second satellite pass over the Mediterranean, many gigabits of data were transmitted from a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite to a ground station - a demonstration described by Dstl as the equivalent of moving from very slow internet to superfast fibre broadband. What the Technology Does Free space optical communications - laser comms - transmit data using narrow, low-power beams of non-visible light rather than radio waves. The shorter wavelength allows far greater volumes of data to be sent per second. Critically for military applications, the beams are extremely difficult to detect or intercept, and the narrow transmission reduces the risk of interference with other systems in an increasingly contested electromagnetic environment. The capability is directly relevant to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, where large volumes of data must be moved quickly to give UK forces an operational advantage. It could also form part of the UK's digital targeting web and is designed to be interoperable with the US Space Development Agency standard. An SME at the Centre of a Sovereign Capability Archangel Lightworks, the Oxford SME that developed and delivered the TERRA-M optical ground station used in the trial, is a notable example of the kind of specialist, sovereign industrial capability the Defence Industrial Strategy is seeking to grow and sustain. The company recently completed a Series A funding round that included investment from the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), and manufactures its systems at a facility in Oxford — positioned to scale production for UK deployment, sale or export. Dstl Chief Executive Dr Paul Hollinshead was clear on the wider significance:

UK Achieves First Optical Data Downlink from Space

Air May 29, 2026

The UK has crossed a significant threshold in defence communications capability, with Dstl and Oxford-based SME Archangel Lightworks completing the country’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station. During a 90-second satellite pass over the Mediterranean, many gigabits of data were transmitted from a ...

Social Value in Action – Tedworth House, Wiltshire

May 28, 2026

Ministry of Defense – Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) £8000 Support for local community projects through donations Tedworth House supports wounded, injured and sick armed forces personnel, with a strong focus on mental rehabilitation. Through structured activities, routine and time outdoors, residents rebuild confidence and prepare for their next steps – ...

Understanding and defending against cyber threats

The vulnerable human

May 28, 2026

How organised crime targets your people by using “human nature” against them – by Nick Smallman CEO of Working Voices Employees are likely to be can-do team-players, ready to please, and happy to fit in. What could go wrong? In 2020, the branch manager of a Japanese company received a call. ...

Defence innovations have been recognised in 31st sustainability and conservation awards.

RAF Awards GeoPura Flagship Contract for Off-Grid Green Energy Infrastructure

Land May 28, 2026

The Royal Air Force has awarded a landmark contract to clean energy specialist GeoPura to deliver a network of off-grid, zero-emission electric vehicle charging hubs across six operational sites – a programme that marks a significant strategic shift in how UK defence infrastructure is powered and a potential blueprint for ...

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