The ALIGN project, funded through the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), aims to revolutionise satellite communications by enabling secure, high-capacity data transfer using laser-based inter-satellite links (ISL). Laser communication can transmit up to 1,000 times more data per second than conventional radio systems, with enhanced security and reliability.
Led by Northumbria University, the ALIGN consortium includes Telespazio, Durham University and SMS Electronics, and receives support from Lockheed Martin. Since the start of Phase 3 in January 2023, the project has successfully navigated significant technical and programmatic challenges to achieve key objectives by the 31 March 2025 project close deadline:
Development of the LDB CODEC board: Telespazio UK successfully designed and delivered the Laser Data Buffer (LDB), a bespoke board with integrated software and firmware that serves as the central control system for the optical inter-satellite link (ISL) payload. It manages all core payload functions and codes, and decodes high-speed laser data.- Design and Demonstration of Optical ISL Payload: Two engineering models of the optical payload, named “FOCUS” (Freespace Optical Communication Unit for Space), were built, integrated and tested. These included the LDB board and successfully demonstrated high-speed laser communication between units.
- CubeSat Platform Integration: The ALIGN team completed integration and interface testing of the CubeSat platform, validating power and data communication links between the platform and the FOCUS payload.
Looking ahead, the ALIGN team is exploring opportunities for a potential Phase 4. Telespazio UK’s LDB product is poised to play a vital role not only in the ALIGN programme, but also in future missions involving optical communications and satellite networking. A first in-orbit demonstration of the technology is on the horizon.
Trevor Beard, Telespazio UK’s VP – Research and Development, said: “We were delighted to integrate and demonstrate our LDBs into the FOCUS engineering models and see high-speed data going end-to-end on the free-space laser links. It is exciting to work with the novel laser, sensor and optical assemblies from our ALIGN partners, and to see just what impressive performance can be achieved in these miniaturised Inter Satellite Link terminals. We are looking forward to preparing the space-ready assemblies.”