Surrey Satellite Technology US LLC and BridgeSat Inc. are pleased to announce a partnership to work towards developing a free-space optical communications system that will provide secure data downlinks from satellites to a proprietary ground network at faster speeds than equivalent radio frequency solutions.
Under this partnership, Surrey will build the flight laser terminal units that will communicate with BridgeSat’s global ground network. Together, Surrey and BridgeSat aim to provide users with a “one-stop” solution to transmit data at up to 10 gigabits per second, per link.
Dr. Clare Martin, vice president of programs for Surrey, commented, “With this partnership, we have a unique opportunity to bring a more accessible, faster optical solution to the smallsat market at a lower cost. With each unit at a mass of 1.5 kilogram or less and power under 25 watts, we see this solution as a game changer for eliminating data downlink constraints for the commercial satellite community.”
Surrey’s optical communications terminal will be equipped with a standardized interface, allowing the terminals to be used on either Surrey’s satellites or as flight units for other satellite providers. With advanced forward error correction and a “smart” module to achieve pointing accuracy, the data transmission system is expected to have a lower cost and more efficient mass/power performance compared to traditional radio frequency solutions.
“We are excited to partner with Surrey, a recognized leader in innovative and affordable small satellite solutions, as our system’s expansive data downlink capacity will potentially enable the space industry to grow exponentially,” said John Serafini, BridgeSat’s co-general manager, who is also a senior vice president at its parent company, Allied Minds. “Surrey’s commitment to using BridgeSat’s ground station infrastructure as part of its optical communications solution represents an important step forward with the technology.”
The companies expect the optical communications system to be operational within the next couple of years. Inquiries on the satellite transceiver should be addressed to Surrey at sales@surreysatellite.com, and inquiries on the data services and ground architecture should be directed to David Mitlyng, senior vice president of business development at BridgeSat. (david.mitlyng@bridgesatinc.com).
More information about Surrey can be found at www.surreysatellite.com. For more information on BridgeSat, visit www.bridgesatinc.com. BridgeSat is a subsidiary of Allied Minds (LSE:ALM).
About Surrey Satellite Technology US LLC
Surrey Satellite is the world’s leading small satellite innovator with over 30 years of experience and 47 successful missions to date. For decades, Surrey has been changing the economics of space by providing cost-effective, full mission solutions through continual advancements in small satellite technology, applications, and services. Surrey Satellite Technology US LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), an independent British company within the Airbus Defence & Space group. Incorporated in 2008 and located in Englewood, Colorado, Surrey Satellite Technology US LLC serves the U.S. market. www.surreysatellite.com | Twitter: @SurreySatUS
About BridgeSat Inc.
BridgeSat has designed an optical connectivity system that aims to improve the wireless transfer of data from satellites. The system provides an alternative transmission mechanism that is designed to be faster, more secure and available at a lower cost to traditional radio frequency systems, while meeting the constrained size, weight and power requirements inherent with small satellite operations. More information can be found at www.bridgesatinc.com.
About Allied Minds
Allied Minds is an innovative U.S. science and technology development and commercialization company. Operating since 2006, Allied Minds forms, funds, manages and builds products and businesses based on innovative technologies developed at leading U.S. universities and federal research institutions. Allied Minds serves as a diversified holding company that supports its businesses and product development with capital, central management and shared services. More information about the Boston-based company can be found at www.alliedminds.com.
Allied Minds Forward-Looking Statement
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