World's smallest deployable operational optical ground station proves capability in successful trials
- Data transferred securely and rapidly between space and ground
- Compatible with U.S. Space Development Agency standard
- UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd welcomed the news
- Units for purchase and service contracts available
OXFORD, England, May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Archangel Lightworks, the laser communications company, has successfully completed field trials of the TERRA-M, the world's smallest deployable operational optical ground station, proving its capability. The news was warmly welcomed by Liz Lloyd, the UK Space Minister, and the trials were funded by the UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
Data was securely and rapidly transferred between the TERRA-M and a satellite in low Earth orbit over the course of a multi-day field trial in the Mediterranean region earlier this month. The field trials used the U.S. Space Development Agency laser communication standard and were repeated across multiple passes to prove reliability.
The TERRA-M is a small fraction of the size of traditional optical ground stations with an optical head standing just 1.1m tall and 0.7m in diameter. It does not require an external dome, is easily transportable by light vehicle or aircraft, and can be readily deployed on the roof of a building. TERRA-M units and ground-station-as-a-service contracts are already being purchased by and delivered to customers.
"The TERRA-M is uniquely capable of rapid, secure data transfer with satellites while also being small enough to be deployed and redeployed at the point of need," said Richard Johanson, CEO of Archangel Lightworks.
"We are on a pathway to providing resilient, large-scale deployable networks of optical ground stations," added Johanson, "the demand for space-based information and connectivity solutions continues to grow exponentially, and we are pleased that our technology will play a role in this exciting new global communications infrastructure."
Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: "Archangel Lightworks is a prime example of British innovation leading the world in next-generation space technology. The successful trials of the TERRA-M show the UK is at the forefront of laser communications, developing the kind of cutting-edge products that will underpin the future of global connectivity."
"Investing in homegrown capability like this strengthens our national security, drives economic growth, and brings opportunities to communities that need them most," added Lloyd, "the UK Government is proud to have supported Archangel Lightworks, and this is a clear demonstration of what our space sector can deliver."
The TERRA-M's small size means it can easily be deployed far from existing communications infrastructure – i.e. at the "edge" of networks. Unlike existing optical ground stations, it does not need a dedicated building of its own, or a fixed protective dome. Its modular design was developed to enable broad interoperability with a wide range of lasercom standards and terminals.
Laser communications to and from satellites is a key component of next-generation space infrastructure, supporting rapidly-increasing satellite traffic and providing a high volume, secure alternative to radio-based data transmission. Satellite internet backhaul and earth observation data transfer are among the principal applications of laser communications, which also support space exploration missions such as Artemis.
The technology has both commercial and defence applications, and bypasses the vulnerabilities associated with terrestrial and subsea cables. It also has the potential to bring high volume satellite communications to communities and thereby reduce the digital divide. As compute moves into orbit through the use of orbital data centres, optical ground infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in seamless connectivity between networks in space and networks on the ground.
Archangel Lightworks' investors include Santander Alternative Investments, National Security Strategic Investment Fund, Blackfinch Ventures, Oxford Capital, Lycka Limited, and Oxford Science Enterprises. The company raised $13.5m (£10m) in an oversubscribed Series A funding round last month, bringing total funding to date to $20m.
Archangel Lightworks is also supported by the UK Space Agency, the UK's Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the UK Ministry of Defence. The company has memoranda of understanding with companies including Starcloud and Omantel, and a number of commercial contracts.
About Archangel Lightworks
Archangel Lightworks builds deployable communication systems to connect networks in space with networks on the ground. Today, space and terrestrial networks are not well-connected leading to insecure, insufficient, and vulnerable infrastructure. High volume, secure links between space and ground are needed. We are driving down the Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) of optical terminals to make lasercom available and affordable. Our core product, the TERRA-M, is a miniature Optical Ground Station. The TERRA-M brings deployable, resilient connectivity to wherever it is needed, helping to solve some of Earth's most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change.
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